Why Internet Is Slow in Pakistan Today

You’d be surprised, but most of Pakistan’s internet doesn’t come from inside the country. It comes through undersea fiber-optic cables, known as submarine cables. These cables run for thousands of kilometers under the ocean, connecting us to the global internet.

Pakistan is mainly connected through systems like SEA-ME-WE 4, SEA-ME-WE 5, and AAE-1.

Whenever one of these cables is damaged  which happens more than you’d think  the entire country feels it.

Recent example:
In February 2024, a major cut in the SEA-ME-WE 5 cable near Egypt caused slow speeds across Pakistan for nearly two days. (Source: ProPakistani)

These cable faults are usually out of our hands, and fixing them can take hours or even days, depending on the location.

2. Too Many Users, Not Enough Capacity

In the last five years, the number of internet users in Pakistan has skyrocketed. According to PTA, there are now over 125 million broadband users, and most of them rely on mobile internet.

Now think about it: millions of people are streaming, gaming, video-calling, and scrolling  all at the same time.

That kind of heavy usage puts serious pressure on the networks, especially during peak hours between 7 PM and 11 PM. And if your telecom company hasn’t upgraded its system to handle that traffic, you’ll feel it instantly.

So if you’ve ever asked yourself why internet is slow in Pakistan today, especially at night  this is one of the biggest reasons. The system’s overloaded, and your speed takes the hit.

3. Poor Infrastructure and Old Tech

Many internet providers in Pakistan, especially in smaller cities and towns, still rely on older copper cables instead of fiber optics. Copper cables are outdated, and they slow down the speed the further you are from the main hub.

Also, frequent electricity breakdowns, load shedding, and lack of backup systems add to the problem.

Example:
If the local PTCL exchange in your area loses power and there’s no generator backup, your internet will suffer  even if your home has electricity.

4. ISP Throttling and Cheap Packages

Let’s be honest: everyone loves a cheap internet package. But cheaper packages often come with a hidden catch  speed throttling.

Some ISPs (internet service providers) limit your speed once you’ve crossed a certain data usage, or they lower speeds on platforms like YouTube and Netflix to save bandwidth.

Also, not all providers are equal. Some cut corners with low-quality equipment or poor customer service. You get what you pay for.

Pro Tip: If your internet works fine in the morning but slows down at night, it could be a throttling issue.

5. Weather and Power Fluctuations

Rain, dust storms, or extreme heat can also mess with network equipment  especially mobile towers and local exchanges.

In rural areas, internet towers often don’t have proper protection from weather, and repeated breakdowns reduce their performance over time.

Frequent power surges or low voltage can also damage routers or fiber converters at home, leading to random speed drops.

6. Using the Wrong Router or Setup

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the internet company  it’s your home setup.

• Old routers can’t handle high speeds

• Thick walls can block Wi-Fi signals

• Multiple devices using one connection slows everything down

• Placing the router in a corner or behind furniture reduces its range

Tip: Always place your router in a central, open space. And if your internet is shared among many people at home, consider upgrading your router or adding Wi-Fi extenders.

So, What Can You Do About It?

You can’t fix submarine cables, but here are a few things you can try:

✅ Restart your router daily  sounds simple, but it helps reset performance
✅ Switch to fiber internet if it’s available in your area
✅ Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for important work like Zoom meetings
✅ Avoid heavy downloads during peak hours
✅ Call your ISP and ask if there’s local maintenance or outages

And if your provider keeps giving poor service? Don’t be afraid to switch. In many areas, Nayatel, StormFiber, or Transworld offer faster, more stable service than older providers like PTCL.

Final Thoughts

Slow internet in Pakistan is frustrating  especially when you rely on it for work, study, or running an online business. But now you know: it’s not always your fault.

Sometimes, it’s a cable deep in the ocean. Sometimes it’s just too many people watching dramas at the same time. And sometimes, it’s just your router stuck behind the fridge.

The key is knowing what’s causing the issue and trying smart fixes before blaming everything on “ghatia net.”

Pakistan’s internet is improving, slowly but surely. And as more areas get fiber, 5G testing expands, and ISPs upgrade their systems, we’ll hopefully see fewer frustrating slowdowns.

Until then, may your Wi-Fi be strong, and your ping be low.

FAQ: Why Is Internet Slow in Pakistan?

1. Why is internet slower at night?
Because more people are online during peak hours, which puts pressure on the network.

2. Does rain or weather affect internet speed?
Yes, bad weather can damage local towers or cables, especially for mobile or copper-line internet.

3. Is fiber internet better than DSL?
Absolutely. Fiber is faster, more stable, and doesn’t lose speed over distance like copper lines.

4. How can I check if my ISP is throttling speed?
Run a speed test at different times of the day. If it slows down only during busy hours, your ISP might be limiting speeds.

5. What’s the best internet provider in Pakistan?
It depends on your city. Nayatel and StormFiber are great in major cities. PTCL covers more rural areas but may be slower in some places.

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