Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja has confirmed that internet services across Pakistan have been affected after an international submarine cable was damaged near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, the minister said that the disruption has caused slower connectivity in many parts of the country. She noted that Pakistani authorities are in close contact with international organizations overseeing the cable system to determine the repair timeline.
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“This is a technical issue that occurred at the international level and is not directly under Pakistan’s control,” Khawaja explained. She added that the government, along with PTCL and other stakeholders, is actively coordinating efforts to minimize the impact on users until repairs are completed.
The minister acknowledged that the slowdown has disrupted business activities, online education, and digital services. She further pointed out that Pakistan’s limited broadband spectrum remains a longstanding challenge, which the government is working to address through policy measures.
Khawaja said a technical assessment is underway to evaluate the extent of the cable damage, while alternative arrangements are also being considered to improve connectivity until full restoration is achieved.
