Slow Internet speeds frustrate users countrywide

In Karachi as well as various cities across Pakistan, slow internet speed continue to hinder access to social media and work-related spaces.

Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta are experiencing widespread slow internet speeds, disrupting services like Wi-Fi and WhatsApp. 

In Karachi, areas such as North Nazimabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and Karsaz reported difficulties, while Peshawar and Quetta faced browsing and uploading issues. 

The slow speeds have also impacted online businesses, with IT industry facing losses of up to $1 million per hour.

According to Downdetector, service disruptions for platforms like Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok spiked around 11 a.m. on December 1, 2024. 

These disruptions are not uncommon in Pakistan, as internet access has been frequently hindered due to various reasons, including government tests of an internet firewall and security-related issues. Last week, internet services were disrupted during the PTI “do-or-die” protest.

Minister for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, addressed concerns about the slow speeds and restrictions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). 

She emphasized that the government is working to improve cybersecurity and is planning to auction additional internet spectrum in April 2025 to improve speeds. 

The minister acknowledged that temporary issues are affecting users but assured that solutions are being implemented.