ISLAMABAD – Internet users across Pakistan faced widespread connectivity issues late Thursday, with reports of slow browsing, interrupted streaming, and unstable online services emerging from multiple cities.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) shared update on a fault in SEA-ME-WE 5 (SMW5) international submarine cable system, while efforts are underway to reroute traffic and restore normal internet services as quickly as possible.
Pakistanis struggling with sluggish internet speeds on Thursday are not alone. Thousands of users across the country have reported connectivity issues, with complaints pouring in about slow browsing, buffering videos, interrupted online meetings, and difficulty accessing digital services.
The disruption appears to be widespread, affecting users in multiple cities rather than a single region, sparking frustration among internet users who rely on stable connectivity for work, education, entertainment, and communication.
SEA-ME-WE 5 (SMW5) international submarine cable system, one of the major undersea networks responsible for carrying internet traffic into Pakistan. According to the regulator, the technical issue has disrupted internet traffic, causing intermittent degradation in service quality and connectivity for some users across the country.
PTA said Transworld Associates (TWA) is working closely with the SMW5 Consortium to identify the exact cause of the fault and determine the Estimated Time to Restoration (ETTR). While repair efforts continue, internet traffic is being diverted through alternative international links to reduce the impact and maintain service continuity as much as possible.
The telecom regulator added that it remains in constant coordination with all concerned stakeholders and will continue monitoring the situation until normal internet services are fully restored nationwide.
The disruption is also reflected on internet monitoring platform Downdetector, where reports of connectivity problems surged as users from different parts of Pakistan flagged issues with browsing websites, streaming content, online gaming, video conferencing, and accessing cloud-based services.
As internet speeds slowed, social media platforms particularly X and Facebook are flooded with complaints from frustrated users demanding answers over the unexpected disruption. Many users shared screenshots of poor speed test results, while others questioned why internet performance affected.
Although PTA officially linked the disruption to the SMW5 submarine cable fault, authorities have not yet announced an Estimated Time to Restoration (ETTR).
Until repair work is completed and normal traffic flow resumes, internet users may continue to experience slower speeds, intermittent connectivity, and reduced service quality.
Users may experience slow internet amid submarine cable repair, warns PTCL
