Tech Desk 
Sep 15, 2025
Numerous internet users in Pakistan have reported slower speeds and disrupted connectivity. Notably, the issue, which has persisted for several days, impacted both uploads and downloads, leaving users frustrated.
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) Group, the country’s largest internet backbone provider, announced that a fault in the undersea internet cables near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is causing internet slowdown in Pakistan.
According to DownDetector, a significant majority of users, approximately 85%, have reported experiencing difficulties with their internet services, while 8% have reported a complete loss of connectivity, known as a total blackout. Meanwhile, around 7% of users have reported issues accessing websites.
PTCL confirmed that the fault has partially impacted bandwidth on the SEA-ME-WE 4 (SMW4) and IMEWE systems, two of Pakistan’s primary international data routes.
According to the spokesperson, this has led to congestion on alternate paths, causing slower speeds, particularly during peak hours (around 7pm to 11pm), and higher latency.
In a statement, PTCL stated that its international partners are working “on priority” to repair the fault and restore full capacity. Meanwhile, local teams are actively provisioning alternate bandwidth to reduce the impact on customers.
“We are grateful to our customers for their patience and understanding,” the PTCL spokesperson concluded.
Widespread frustration has been expressed on social media platforms by users, while PTCL has not provided an exact timeline for the full restoration of the undersea cable near Jeddah and Saudi Arabia.
Internet users across Pakistan may continue to face slower browsing, video streaming lags, and longer download times.
