Pakistan’s internet landscape has evolved significantly over the years, but the country’s infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the rapid growth of digital usage. While the number of internet users has surged, particularly with the widespread adoption of mobile broadband, the country’s internet infrastructure has not expanded at the same rate. This disconnect between internet growth and infrastructure development remains a major challenge, especially in light of issues such as internet disruptions during political protests, long marches, and government restrictions on VPN usage.
The rise of mobile broadband in Pakistan, particularly after the introduction of 3G and 4G networks in 2014, brought about a rapid increase in internet usage. The affordability of smartphones and the widespread availability of mobile data allowed millions of Pakistanis to access the internet, especially in urban areas. By 2021, mobile broadband subscribers had grown to over 95 million, significantly boosting internet penetration in the country. However, despite the impressive growth of internet users, the infrastructure required to support such a large user base has been inadequate, particularly in rural areas and for fixed broadband services. While urban centers saw some improvements in internet infrastructure, rural areas have remained largely underserved, contributing to a widening digital divide.
This infrastructure gap is further exacerbated by the vulnerability of Pakistan’s internet connectivity, which relies heavily on international submarine cables for internet access. These cables are prone to faults and disruptions, and when damaged, they can severely affect the country’s internet speeds or even cause complete outages. This issue became especially noticeable in 2017 when a damaged SeaMeWe-3 submarine cable caused a widespread internet disruption across Pakistan. The repair process for these undersea cables often takes weeks, leaving users with slow or unreliable internet services.
While these technical disruptions are a challenge, the issue extends beyond mere infrastructure challenges. Pakistan has experienced several instances where political unrest and government measures have directly impacted internet access. During times of protests, long marches, or political movements, the government has frequently restricted access to the internet in specific regions or even nationwide. This has been particularly evident during times of political tension or when the government fears that online platforms might be used to mobilize protests or spread dissent. In such instances, internet access is deliberately curtailed, causing widespread disruption to daily life and business activities.
One of the most notable recent issues has been the regulation of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). In 2020, the government mandated that VPN services be registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). This move was meant to curb illegal internet activities, but it also raised concerns among businesses and individuals who use VPNs for legitimate purposes, such as accessing information or maintaining privacy online. The requirement to register VPNs meant that many users, especially those in the tech industry or those working remotely, faced additional bureaucratic hurdles and delays. VPNs are often crucial for bypassing internet censorship and maintaining access to uncensored content, so restricting their usage became a point of contention. The ban on VPNs and other measures designed to control internet traffic only served to highlight the gap between Pakistan’s digital usage and the government’s approach to managing digital infrastructure and access.
The internet disruptions caused by political unrest are another significant concern. During major protests or long marches, the government has been known to shut down or slow down internet access to prevent the spread of real-time information that could fuel opposition movements. The internet shutdowns during the 2019 Faizabad sit-in, and again during protests by political parties and religious groups, exemplify how political instability can result in restrictions on free internet access. These shutdowns not only impact those involved in the protests but also affect everyday users who rely on the internet for work, education, and communication. The inability to access information during such events severely limits people’s rights to information and expression, raising questions about the balance between national security and freedom of speech.
While the government has implemented measures like the Universal Service Fund (USF) to improve internet access in underserved areas, these efforts have not been enough to meet the growing demand for reliable and affordable internet services across the country. The infrastructure necessary to support the increasing number of internet users remains underdeveloped, particularly in rural regions where broadband access is often slow or unavailable. The private sector has played a crucial role in expanding mobile broadband, but more needs to be done to ensure that fixed broadband networks reach underserved areas.
The country’s internet infrastructure is heavily reliant on international cables that connect to the global internet backbone. While Pakistan has made efforts to diversify its undersea cable connections, damage to these cables continues to pose a threat to internet reliability. When cables are damaged or disrupted, the entire country suffers from slower speeds or complete outages. This issue underscores the vulnerability of relying on external infrastructure for internet connectivity, especially when political and economic conditions in neighboring countries or on the international stage can influence these cables’ stability.
Pakistan must address these issues to ensure a more resilient and inclusive internet infrastructure. Greater investment in domestic broadband infrastructure is essential, particularly in rural areas where internet access remains limited. Expanding fiber-optic networks would provide the high-speed internet necessary to meet the growing demand. Furthermore, Pakistan must take a more proactive approach in improving its international connectivity to reduce reliance on a few undersea cables. By investing in more diverse and secure routes for internet traffic, Pakistan can mitigate the impact of cable faults and provide more stable access to the global internet.
