Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Division, Syed Sajid Mehdi, has called on citizens to use the internet only for essential purposes, emphasizing the need to reduce unnecessary online activity. Speaking to a private news channel, he suggested that limiting internet usage could help alleviate the strain on Pakistan’s overwhelmed internet infrastructure and even ease traffic congestion.

Highlighting the challenges the country’s internet infrastructure faces, the secretary revealed that Pakistan’s fiber optic capacity stands at just 15%, significantly lower than India’s 45%. He attributed slow internet speeds to excessive usage and population growth, which have placed immense pressure on the system.

“Pakistan’s internet infrastructure is overwhelmed due to excessive usage, and disciplined internet usage is necessary to improve the situation,” he stated. Mehdi also noted that efforts are underway to enhance the network, with improvements expected within the next three to four months.

Responding to reports of financial losses exceeding $1 million per hour due to internet outages, the secretary dismissed the claims, stating that no official complaints regarding such losses had been received. Instead, he reiterated that the primary causes of slow internet speeds are population pressures and infrastructure limitations.

Mehdi urged citizens to prioritize important online activities and reduce unnecessary internet usage to help ease the burden on the system. He stressed that disciplined usage would benefit the overall network and improve internet speeds for everyone.

The government, he added, is actively working to upgrade the country’s internet infrastructure, with significant improvements expected in the near future.