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Internet users across Pakistan are reporting slower speeds and disrupted connectivity as a result of a fault in undersea internet cables near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The issue, which has persisted for several days, is affecting both uploads and downloads, leaving users frustrated during peak hours.
Cause of the Outage: SMW4 and IMEWE Cables Affected
PTCL Group, the country’s largest internet backbone provider, 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, especially in the evenings when traffic is highest.
Steps Being Taken to Minimize Impact
In a statement, PTCL said 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. Users have been advised that service degradation may continue intermittently until repairs are complete.
What Users Can Expect Next
While PTCL has not provided an exact timeline for full restoration, undersea cable repairs typically require specialized ships and favorable weather conditions, which can take days or even weeks.
“We are grateful to our customers for their patience and understanding,” the PTCL spokesperson concluded.
For now, Pakistani internet users may continue to face slower browsing, video streaming lags, and longer download times during busy hours.
