KARACHI: Heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions across Pakistan have led to a major internet disruption, creating difficulties for users and online businesses nationwide.
On Tuesday evening, people in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar reported connectivity problems, with Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) services experiencing significant interruptions. The disruption affected both browsing and online call services, leaving individuals and organizations struggling to access essential digital platforms.
Freelancers, remote employees, and e-commerce operators expressed frustration over the lack of reliable internet, which disrupted daily work, communication, and transactions. Students and professionals who depend on online tools also faced setbacks.
Minister for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima, acknowledged the issue and confirmed that technical teams were working to identify the cause and restore services. Industry sources indicated that the disruption may be linked to faults in the fiber optic backbone or difficulties with international service providers managing Pakistan’s online traffic.
PTCL has not yet announced a timeline for complete restoration, although repair efforts are ongoing. The outage, coupled with heavy rains, has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of Pakistan’s IT infrastructure, particularly as growing numbers rely on digital connectivity for education, remote work, communication, and business.
