Pakistan Struggles with Slow Internet Speeds Amid Growing Digital Divide

Pakistan has failed to improve its abysmal internet speeds in recent years, ranking among the lowest globally, according to the latest data from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index. The country has slipped further behind in terms of mobile internet speeds and broadband penetration, leaving a significant portion of its population without access to reliable and fast digital services.

According to the report, Pakistan ranks 100th out of 111 countries in mobile internet speeds, with a median mobile download speed of 19.59 Mbps and a slower average download speed of 7.85 Mbps. The country fares no better in broadband speeds, ranking 141st out of 158 countries with a median broadband download speed of 15.52 Mbps. The dismal statistics have sparked widespread criticism from internet service providers and the business community, who blame the government's imposition of a national internet firewall.

The Chinese-built firewall, which aims to detect and slow down digital communication, has been criticized for crippling the nation's internet speeds, reportedly throttling VPNs, social media platforms, and critical websites. Journalist Hafiz Shakir Mahmood has taken the matter to the Lahore High Court, filing a petition calling for the restoration of blocked websites, enhancement of internet speed, and the removal of the national firewall. He argues that Pakistan's poor internet infrastructure has left citizens deprived of their fundamental rights, ranking 198th globally in terms of internet speed.

The disparity in internet speeds is evident across the country, with Karachi and Lahore emerging as exceptions. While they boast the fastest internet speeds, other cities and rural areas struggle to access even basic digital services. Experts caution that this gap is not just about infrastructure, but also the quality of services, citing the national firewall as a significant hindrance to efficient internet speeds.

The exacerbating issue of slow internet speeds in Pakistan highlights a lack of concrete efforts to address the digital divide. As the country continues to grapple with improving its internet infrastructure, stakeholders must work collectively to develop a harmonious balance between security and access to digital services, prioritizing the needs of citizens and businesses alike.