Internet Outage in Pakistan Expected to Last Full Day: What Users Must Know in 2025
Internet Outage in Pakistan Expected to Last Full Day: What Users Must Know in 2025. Pakistani internet users are bracing for a significant disruption in 2025. The internet outage in Pakistan is expected to last a full day as PTCL undertakes essential repairs on a critical undersea cable repeater. This temporary disruption, though inconvenient, is crucial for improving long-term connectivity and ensuring a more reliable internet infrastructure.
Why Pakistan Is Experiencing This Internet Outage
The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) announced that a faulty submarine cable repeater requires urgent maintenance. Scheduled to begin on October 14 at 11:00 a.m. PST, the repair is expected to last up to 18 hours.
Undersea cables carry the majority of Pakistan’s international internet traffic. Even a single malfunction in this network can trigger nationwide slowdowns or complete outages, affecting everything from social media access to streaming services.
Key Causes of the Outage
- Damaged undersea repeater: A crucial device amplifying signals along the submarine cable.
- Dependence on a single infrastructure: Pakistan’s internet heavily relies on a few undersea cables.
- Preventive maintenance: PTCL’s proactive repair ensures long-term connectivity stability.
Who Will Be Affected?
The upcoming internet disruption in Pakistan will impact a broad spectrum of users:
| User Category | Expected Impact | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Workers | Interrupted video calls, slow connectivity | Use mobile data or hotspots |
| Students | Difficulty accessing online classes | Download lectures in advance |
| Businesses | Disrupted e-commerce, digital services | Reschedule tasks, use offline tools |
| Streaming & Gaming Users | Lag and buffering | Download content beforehand |
| Large File Transfers | Failed uploads/downloads | Schedule transfers outside outage window |
Even government employees and pensioners may experience delayed access to online services, though the Punjab government has announced early salary and pension disbursement to offset minor inconveniences.
PTCL’s Efforts to Restore Connectivity
PTCL has assured users that their technical teams are working 24/7 to complete repairs and minimize downtime.
Measures Taken by PTCL
- Continuous monitoring of network performance.
- Deployment of backup links where feasible.
- Communication updates to users via official channels.
- Apology and guidance for affected customers.
How Users Can Prepare
- Download important files ahead of time: Avoid disruption to work or study.
- Use mobile data or hotspot backups: Especially during critical tasks.
- Reschedule online meetings or classes: Plan outside the maintenance window.
- Set alternative communication channels: SMS, phone calls, or offline messaging apps.
Lessons From Previous Connectivity Issues
This outage highlights Pakistan’s vulnerability to undersea cable failures. Similar incidents, including cable disruptions near Saudi Arabian waters, have caused nationwide slowdowns in previous months.
- Heavy reliance on a single infrastructure makes the country prone to digital bottlenecks.
- Global interconnections mean that incidents outside Pakistan can still affect local internet quality.
Benefits of the Maintenance
Although short-term inconvenience is inevitable, these repairs will:
- Enhance the stability and reliability of Pakistan’s internet.
- Reduce the risk of future prolonged outages.
- Improve high-bandwidth performance, benefiting streaming, gaming, and remote work.
How This Impacts Daily Life
Even a single-day internet outage can disrupt multiple aspects of life:
- Education: Online classes, assignments, and exams may face interruptions.
- Business Operations: E-commerce, cloud services, and digital payments may slow down.
- Entertainment: Streaming services and online gaming will experience buffering or downtime.
- Communication: Messaging apps and email may face delays.
Quick Tips to Stay Productive
- Work offline when possible: Use tools like Word, Excel, or offline apps.
- Schedule tasks: Move online activities to times outside the outage window.
- Keep backup plans: Prepare files, offline content, and alternative communication methods.
FAQs About the Internet Outage in Pakistan
Q1: When will the Pakistan internet outage start?
A1: The outage is scheduled to begin on October 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PST and may last up to 18 hours.
Q2: Which areas in Pakistan will be affected?
A2: The outage is nationwide, affecting all regions due to the dependence on the submarine cable network.
Q3: How can businesses minimize disruption?
A3: Businesses should use offline tools, mobile data, or backup internet links, and plan critical operations outside the maintenance window.
Q4: Will social media platforms be affected?
A4: Yes, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter may experience slowdowns or intermittent access.
Q5: Is this outage permanent?
A5: No, this is a temporary maintenance outage aimed at improving long-term internet reliability.
Conclusion
The internet outage in Pakistan in 2025 may disrupt daily life for several hours, but it’s a necessary step toward a more robust digital infrastructure. By preparing in advance, using backup connections, and rescheduling critical tasks, users can minimize its impact.
