ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) claimed that a fault in the submarine cable is the reason behind the intermittent internet disruption in Pakistan.
According to the details, PTA Chairman, Major General (retd) Hafiz Rahman, today clarified that no firewalls were being installed, after drawing criticism from both lawmakers and the public on widespread complaints about internet slowdowns across the country.
While briefing the Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Syed Aminul Haque, the PTA chief said that the nationwide internet slowdown is due to t a faulty submarine cable, which is expected to be prepared by Aug 27, 2024.
“Submarine Consortium has informed [us] that the internet [services] are affected due to a damage in one of the 7 fiber optic cables connected with Pakistan which will be resolved by August 27,” he added.
‘Web management system upgraded’
Answering the queries regarding whether a firewall system was in place, the PTA Chairman said that it was the government’s web management system — and not a firewall — which was being upgraded.
“The public should be informed why internet service is affected. It should be informed whether a firewall is installed or not?” MQM-P lawmaker Amin Ul Haq asked, adding that the PTA should communicate the matter with the media so that the public is informed.
Responding to the query, Gen Rehman referred to IT Minister Shiza Fatima’s remarks saying that the reasons behind the prevailing issue were duly addressed in the minister’s presser and remarked that the use of VPNs led to the internet being down.
