The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported that it is actively monitoring internet traffic disruptions caused by a fault in the SEA-ME-WE 5 (SMW5) international submarine cable system.
According to a statement from the authority, some internet users might experience sporadic drops in service quality and connectivity due to this fault.
PTA added that Transworld Associates (TWA) is working closely with the SMW5 Consortium to identify the cause of the issue and estimate when services will be restored.
Meanwhile, internet traffic is being rerouted through other international links to minimize disruptions and maintain as much service as possible.
PTA emphasized its ongoing coordination with relevant stakeholders and assured the public it continues to monitor the situation in order to restore normal internet services across Pakistan as soon as possible.
Earlier this year, Pakistan’s Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, informed the National Assembly that frequent power outages significantly contributed to slow internet speeds and declining telecom quality nationwide.
In her written responses, Khawaja explained that unreliable commercial electricity and reliance on solar power—especially during shorter winter days—reduced backup capacity at telecom sites.
She also noted that difficult terrains, severe weather, security issues, and restricted access hampered maintenance efforts. Furthermore, incidents like fiber cuts, backhaul failures, and equipment theft further impacted service stability.
The minister highlighted improvements in Pakistan’s international connectivity, noting the recent landing of three submarine cables. She also credited the expansion of fiber-optic infrastructure, which increased nationwide connectivity, and stated that residential fiber connections grew from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.1 million within two years.