The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s latest explanation for internet disruptions in the country adds to a litany of excuses but offers little resolution to the persistent problem.
Pakistan is nearing a full year of a persistent decline in the quality of internet services, leaving citizens frustrated and industries hamstrung. Rather than working to correct the problem, the government has resorted to increasingly perplexing explanations. The shifting claims not only undermine trust but also obfuscate the root causes of a vital issue in an increasingly digital world.
Initially, authorities attributed the decline to unforeseen technical challenges, including undersea cable disruptions. Such incidents are common, and typically addressed within weeks, not months. This narrative collapsed like a house of cards as disruptions persisted, with no concrete timelines for resolution.
In subsequent statements, officials pivoted to blaming financial constraints, citing the country’s economic crisis as a key factor in delaying technological upgrades. While plausible, the explanation lacks transparency, especially after the earlier statements. If financial issues are at the heart of the problem, where is the roadmap for strategic investment or international partnerships to bridge the gap? Instead of answers, the public has received only vague reassurances.
Amidst mounting criticism, including from its coalition partners, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja offered yet another justification—security concerns. She indicated the slowdown was partially the result of measures being taken to combat cyber threats and ensure national security. No one can deny the importance of cybersecurity, but such claims ring hollow without clear supporting evidence.
The most recent narrative shift—this time from the PTA—blames service providers for inefficiencies and inadequate reinvestment. The sudden willingness to deflect responsibility raises questions about regulatory oversight. If private entities are indeed at fault, why has the PTA failed to act decisively, enforce standards or penalize non-compliance?
The patchwork of excuses reflects poorly on governance. It highlights a lack of foresight, planning, and accountability in addressing a basic utility that underpins economic growth, education, and communication. Pakistan’s citizens deserve more than shifting narratives—they deserve clarity, a coherent strategy, and tangible progress. The country’s I.T. sector has remained a rare spot of revenue generation even amidst these disruptions. Failing to ensure a viable solution risks the country falling further behind in the global digital race, to the detriment of its people and its economy.
Enough is enough. The government must stop evading responsibility and start delivering solutions.