Since June 2024, Pakistan has been grappling with persistent internet issues, leaving consumers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and the IT industry in turmoil. Despite repeated reassurances from authorities, confidence remains low due to shifting timelines and vague promises.
Deadlines for resolving the issues have continuously been pushed back—from June to July, then early September, then the start of October, and now the end of October—without any substantial resolution. These moving targets have fueled public skepticism and frustration among ISPs, who doubt whether a meaningful solution will be implemented. The latest end-of-October deadline is perceived as another temporary measure rather than a definitive plan for improvement.
For ISPs, the situation is particularly challenging. As the direct link to the public, they bear the brunt of consumer frustration when connectivity issues arise, despite having no control over the root causes. The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP), representing all forms of internet services in the country, has been vocal in urging the government to engage in transparent dialogue and provide concrete support.
Shahzad Arshad, Chairman of WISPAP, highlights the lack of coordination between government authorities and the industry, which is severely affecting trust and service quality. ISPs, positioned at the receiving end of consumer dissatisfaction, require clearer communication and direct involvement in finding a resolution. WISPAP criticizes the current approach as inadequate for protecting the sector’s stability and future potential.
The situation in Pakistan is often compared to India, which recorded 116 internet shutdowns in 2023. However, the contexts differ significantly. India, with its larger geographical and demographic size, has a more complex network of multiple internet points of presence (PoPs) and a massive user base. Over the past five years, India has faced over 500 shutdowns, often targeted at specific regions or states, mostly affecting mobile networks.
In contrast, Pakistan, with its centralized network and fewer PoPs, experiences a much wider impact even from shorter disruptions. With a smaller IT industry and user base, Pakistan cannot be reasonably compared to India, as the effect of any shutdown is far more pronounced on both consumers and businesses.
The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has attempted to address some concerns by focusing on technical improvements, such as upgrading the Web Management System (WMS), also known as the infamous Firewall, from 5 TB to 8 TB by the end of October. However, WISPAP views these changes cautiously, considering them potentially insufficient without a comprehensive, collaborative strategy involving all stakeholders. The association suggests that merely announcing a deadline without clear actions and shared responsibility does little to address the underlying structural issues.
Shahzad Arshad remains skeptical of the promised October deadline, advocating for a more profound, collaborative strategy for lasting improvement. The industry needs not just technical fixes but a unified approach that instills confidence in the sector’s stability and the government’s commitment to addressing the public’s digital needs effectively.
The prolonged crisis has exposed a need for improved governance, transparency, and a more robust digital strategy for Pakistan. Without a clear plan and genuine engagement from authorities, the situation threatens to hinder the country’s digital development and overall economic growth. WISPAP, ISPs, and the millions they serve deserve not just promises but concrete, lasting solutions that ensure a reliable and secure internet environment for all.
The path forward requires collective action, transparent decision-making, and a commitment to long-term improvements to restore stability and confidence in Pakistan’s digital future.
