Internet to remain slow as undersea cable repairs may take 4 to 5 weeks

Information Technology (IT) Secretary Zarrar Hasham has said that damaged undersea internet cables may take four to five weeks to be restored.

He was speaking during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, held at Islamabad’s IT Park. The secretary was responding to a question from committee member Sadiq Memon regarding ongoing internet disruptions across the country.

Hasham explained that several international submarine cables had been severed near the coast of Yemen. “Four to five cables have been cut,” he said, adding that the matter was serious given the situation in Yemen. He said that two of the affected cables connect directly to Pakistan.

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He added that traffic had been diverted to other networks to minimise disruption, but full restoration would take time. “Repairing the cables may take four to five weeks,” the secretary noted, explaining that specialised vessels are required to carry out the work.

Memon remarked during the session that there were reports of new submarine cables being installed, questioning why service issues persisted. “If three new cables are coming, then why are there still internet problems?” he asked.

Hasham confirmed that additional projects were underway. “Three more cables are expected in the next 12 to 18 months, which will link Pakistan to Europe,” he said. “Agreements for these cables have already been finalised.”