Why Internet slows down in Pakistan? PTCL reveals reason

Saturday, September 6, 2025 – Internet users across Pakistan faced slower connectivity after a technical fault was reported in submarine cables near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) confirmed.

According to PTCL, the issue has affected two major international systems – SMW4 (South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4) and IMEWE (India–Middle East–Western Europe). The disruption is expected to cause reduced browsing and streaming speeds, especially during peak hours in the evening.

PTCL’s Response to the Cable Fault

The telecom company said its international partners are already working on repairs to restore the affected cables. Meanwhile, PTCL’s local teams are providing alternative bandwidth to reduce the impact on users in Pakistan.

A spokesperson for PTCL Group added: “We are thankful to our customers for showing patience. Our teams are making every effort to minimize the impact of this submarine cable fault.”

User Experience

So far, internet customers have reported noticeable slow speeds while browsing and streaming videos. Some also faced trouble with video calls and gaming during busy hours. PTCL has assured that the problem will be resolved as soon as repair work on the damaged cables is completed.

This is not the first time Pakistan has experienced internet slowdowns due to submarine cable faults. Experts say that such issues highlight the need for stronger backup infrastructure to maintain uninterrupted connectivity.