Internet disrupted in Pakistan after SMW-5 cable fault

Internet users across Pakistan have recently experienced slower internet speeds and connectivity issues following a technical fault

Internet users across Pakistan have recently experienced slower internet speeds and connectivity issues following a technical fault in the SMW-5 (South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 5) submarine cable. The disruption has affected international internet traffic, leading to degraded service quality for users in different parts of the country. Many people have reported difficulties while browsing websites, attending online meetings, streaming videos, using social media platforms, and accessing other internet-based services.

According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the technical fault in the SMW-5 submarine cable has caused interruptions in the country’s international internet connectivity. As a result, some internet users may continue to experience slower speeds, unstable connections, or temporary service degradation until the issue is fully resolved. The authority stated that technical experts are actively working to identify the exact cause of the fault and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

To minimize the impact on users, internet traffic is being rerouted through alternative international links. This temporary arrangement is intended to keep internet services operational while repair work continues on the affected submarine cable. Although these backup routes help maintain connectivity, they may not have enough capacity to handle the entire volume of internet traffic. Consequently, users may still notice reduced performance during peak usage hours.

The PTA also confirmed that it remains in close coordination with internet service providers (ISPs), international partners, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the issue is addressed efficiently. Technical teams are continuously monitoring the situation and are taking the necessary steps to restore the cable and improve service quality. The authority has assured the public that every possible effort is being made to resolve the disruption at the earliest opportunity.

Meanwhile, internet users from several cities across Pakistan have reported slow browsing speeds, interrupted video calls, buffering during online streaming, and delays while accessing cloud-based applications. Students attending online classes, professionals working remotely, businesses that depend on digital platforms, and freelancers have all experienced varying levels of inconvenience due to the ongoing disruption. Many users have also reported intermittent connectivity, making it difficult to complete routine online tasks without interruptions.

Submarine fiber-optic cables form the backbone of global internet infrastructure and carry the vast majority of international internet traffic. Pakistan relies heavily on these undersea cables to connect with the global internet. Therefore, any technical fault in one of these cables can significantly affect internet performance across the country. While backup routes help reduce the impact, they cannot always provide the same level of speed and capacity as the primary connection.

Repairing submarine cables is a highly specialized process that often requires dedicated cable repair ships, favorable weather conditions, and close coordination among international telecommunications operators. Depending on the location and severity of the fault, restoration can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks.

The PTA has advised users to remain patient while repair efforts continue and has promised to provide updates as more information becomes available. Once the fault is repaired and the SMW-5 submarine cable is fully restored, internet services across Pakistan are expected to return to normal, ensuring improved connectivity and a better online experience for users nationwide.