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Pakistan arranges temporary bandwidth to counter Internet slowdown amid submarine cable fault

Pakistan arranges temporary bandwidth to counter Internet slowdown amid submarine cable fault
A food delivery man uses his mobile phone near a restaurant in Islamabad on August 17, 2024. (AFP/File)
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Updated 11 min 32 sec ago
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Pakistan arranges temporary bandwidth to counter Internet slowdown amid submarine cable fault

Pakistan arranges temporary bandwidth to counter Internet slowdown amid submarine cable fault
  • The country’s telecom regulator says there is no Internet service degradation is in the country currently
  • Digital rights activists say government trying to suppress dissenting voices by minimizing online access
Updated 11 min 32 sec ago
Muhammad Ibrahim
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecom regulator said on Saturday it had arranged temporary bandwidth to address degraded Internet services caused by a fault in the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable, ensuring Internet stability across the country.
The AAE-1 cable is one of seven international undersea cables connecting Pakistan to the global Internet. Disruptions in these cables can significantly impact Internet performance, affecting individual users and businesses reliant on stable connectivity for daily operations.
“The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announces that to address the issue of degradation of Internet services due to fault in AAE1 submarine cable on January 2, 2025, ad hoc bandwidth has been arranged and added in the system,” the PTA said in a statement. “Now there is no degradation of Internet services across the country.”
The telecom regulator added it was actively monitoring restoration efforts for the AAE-1 cable and remained committed to ensuring stable services throughout the process.
The fault comes amid growing scrutiny of the Pakistan government’s handling of Internet and social media policies.
Following the February 2024 general elections, marred by allegations of irregularities, the government faced severe backlash over a ban on X, formerly known as Twitter. Local media also reported the government’s decision to establish an Internet firewall aimed at controlling “anti-state propaganda” and content deemed blasphemous, stirring further controversy.
Freelancers and businesses were also instructed later in the year to register VPNs to access online platforms, prompting public outrage, though the government extended the compliance deadline indefinitely since only a fraction of users had adhered to the directive.
Digital rights activists and political rivals accused the government of using these measures to suppress dissent, with a coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), also voicing concerns.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticized the government for Internet slowdown, questioning why submarine cable faults always disproportionately affected Pakistan.

Topics: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Pakistan internet

Ryan Rickelton hits 259 as South Africa take control against Pakistan

Ryan Rickelton hits 259 as South Africa take control against Pakistan
Updated 30 sec ago
AFP
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Ryan Rickelton hits 259 as South Africa take control against Pakistan

Ryan Rickelton hits 259 as South Africa take control against Pakistan
  • Rickelton batted for 607 minutes before being caught at mid-on attempting a big hit
  • Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan took six catches in the South African innings
Updated 30 sec ago
AFP

CAPE TOWN: Ryan Rickelton made 259 as South Africa took their first innings total to 615 all out on the second day of the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands on Saturday.
Resuming on 176, Rickelton was content to feed the strike to Kyle Verreynne (100) and Marco Jansen (62) in quick-scoring partnerships of 148 for the sixth wicket and 86 for the seventh wicket.
The left-handed opening batsman reached his double century off 266 balls and was finally seventh out, caught at mid-on going for a big hit. He batted for 607 minutes, facing 343 balls and hitting 29 fours and three sixes.
It was the joint seventh highest score by a South African batsman in Test cricket.
South Africa’s innings ended 40 minutes after tea when new cap Kwena Maphaka was bowled second ball for nought to become the 100th Test wicket for Mohammad Abbas.
At 18 years 270 days, Maphaka became South Africa’s youngest Test player when the match started on Friday.
Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan held six catches in the South African innings.
Brief scores:
South Africa 615 in 141.3 overs (R. Rickelton 259, T. Bavuma 106, K. Verreynne 100, M. Jansen 62, K. Maharaj 40; Mohammad Abbas 3-94, Mir Hamza 2-127, Khurram Shahzad 2-123, Salman Agha 3-148).
Match situation: South Africa are 615 all out in the first innings.
Toss: South Africa.

Topics: Pakistan v South Africa

Pakistan Naval Academy graduates cadets, including officers from Iraq and Sri Lanka

Pakistan Naval Academy graduates cadets, including officers from Iraq and Sri Lanka
Updated 04 January 2025
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Pakistan Naval Academy graduates cadets, including officers from Iraq and Sri Lanka

Pakistan Naval Academy graduates cadets, including officers from Iraq and Sri Lanka
  • Pakistan’s air chief witnessed the parade, asking future leaders to stay updated with modern technologies
  • The Pakistan military regularly trains officers and cadets of allied nations, particularly from the Gulf region
Updated 04 January 2025
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: The Pakistan Naval Academy held a commissioning parade on Saturday to mark the graduation of 49 midshipmen and 29 short-service commissioning cadets, including officers from Iraq, Sri Lanka and other countries, according to a statement from the Pakistan Navy.
The Pakistan military regularly trains officers and cadets of allied nations, particularly from the Gulf region. The parade’s chief guest, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, was invited to the received by Pakistan’s top naval official Admiral Naveed Ashraf before witnessing the ceremony.
He extended congratulations to the newly commissioned officers and their parents, while specifically addressing foreign cadets and officials.
“He [the air chief] commended Pakistan Naval Academy for imparting high-quality training to cadets, including those from friendly countries,” the official statement said. “He expressed the hope that these cadets from friendly nations will serve as ambassadors, strengthening bonds of friendship and mutual respect.”

In this handout photo, released by Pakistan Navy on January 4, 2025, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, reviews parade during the 122 Midshipmen and 30th SSC Commissioning Parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)

The air chief emphasized the need for future leaders to stay updated with modern technologies and the evolving geo-strategic landscape.
“In today’s high-tech and information-driven era, only knowledgeable leaders can effectively address emerging challenges,” he told the commissioning term.
Awards were presented to distinction holders, highlighting the diverse achievements of the graduates.

In this handout photo, released by Pakistan Navy on January 4, 2025, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, awards Sword of Honor to the best midshipman, Sri Lanka’s Tennakoon M. L. Vimutkhi, during the 122 Midshipmen and 30th SSC Commissioning Parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)

The prestigious Sword of Honor went to Midshipman Tennakoon M.L. Vimukthi from Sri Lanka for his exceptional performance. Officer Cadet Ali Jalil Ibrahim Sharif Shuhaib Al Shabani from Iraq was awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal, while the Quaid-i-Azam Gold Medal was awarded to Lt. Muhammad Imad Ud Din for being the best all-round officer.
The Pakistan Naval Academy has long served as a hub for professional and academic training, equipping cadets with skills to meet modern maritime challenges.

In this handout photo, released by Pakistan Navy on January 4, 2025, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, gestures for a group photograph with graduating cadets during the 122 Midshipmen and 30th SSC Commissioning Parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)

Its programs also help foster international cooperation, as displayed by the diverse nationalities of its graduates this year.

Topics: Pakistan Naval Academy Pakistan Navy

Pakistan to host World Boxing Championship in Lahore this month

Pakistan to host World Boxing Championship in Lahore this month
Updated 04 January 2025
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Pakistan to host World Boxing Championship in Lahore this month

Pakistan to host World Boxing Championship in Lahore this month
  • Leading Pakistani fighter Usman Wazir says boxing plays a crucial role in promoting the country’s image
  • He requests the Punjab provincial administration to sponsor the event, saying the sport inspires the youth
Updated 04 January 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A leading Pakistani boxer has announced that his country is set to host the World Boxing Championship in Lahore on January 25, marking a significant step for the sport in Pakistan, the state media reported on Saturday.
Boxing is a popular sport in Pakistan, but aspiring athletes often face challenges due to a lack of institutional mechanisms to identify and nurture talent across the country. Success in the sport largely depends on individual effort and determination.
Renowned boxer and World Youth Champion Usman Wazir said players from five countries, including Indonesia, Iran, Thailand and France, would compete in ten matches for the championship title.
“I want to promote the country internationally in boxing,” the Associated Press of Pakistan news agency quoted him as saying. “I am trying to organize such a mega event in Islamabad in the future.”
Wazir highlighted that unlike cricket, other sports in Pakistan received less attention but still played a crucial role in promoting the country’s image on the international stage. He maintained that boxing was inspiring the youth, leading many to take up the sport.
He called on the Punjab government, including Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, to sponsor the event.
Emerging Pakistani boxer Khushal Khan, who will represent the country in the championship, said he drew inspiration from Wazir to pursue boxing.
Undefeated in his last 14 fights, Khan is determined to win the event and bring pride to Pakistan both nationally and internationally.

Topics: Usman Wazeer Usman Wazir Khushal Khan World Boxing Championship

Five injured in shooting at aid convoy en route to violence-hit Pakistani district

Five injured in shooting at aid convoy en route to violence-hit Pakistani district
Updated 04 January 2025
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Five injured in shooting at aid convoy en route to violence-hit Pakistani district

Five injured in shooting at aid convoy en route to violence-hit Pakistani district
  • More than 130 people have died in the remote district since Nov. 21 in clashes over land, sectarian disputes
  • The clashes have disconnected Kurram from the provincial capital, causing medicine, food and fuel shortages
Updated 04 January 2025
REHMAT MEHSUD

ISLAMABAD: Five people, including a top administration official, were injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire on an aid convoy en route to a restive Pakistani district that has been hit by sectarian clashes in recent weeks, officials said on Saturday.
Kurram, a northwestern district of around 600,000 people in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has been rocked by tribal and sectarian clashes since Nov. 21 when gunmen attacked a convoy of Shia passengers, killing 52.
The attack sparked further violence and blockade of a main road connecting Kurram’s main town of Parachinar with the provincial capital of Peshawar, causing medicine, food and fuel shortages in the area, as casualties surged to 136.
Saturday’s gun attack occurred near Bagan, a tense locality in the district’s center, as Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javedullah Mehsud and other officials led an aid convoy to Kurram, leaving the top officials and four security men injured.
“The deputy commissioner has been shifted from Alizai Hospital to Tal CMH [Combined Military Hospital],” said Muhammad Ali Saif, a spokesman for the KP provincial government.
“The deputy commissioner’s surgery is ongoing, but his condition is out of danger.”
Kurram police spokesman Riaz Khan told Arab News the attack injured DC Mehsud, his police guard and three members of the Frontier Corps (FC) paramilitary force.
“The deputy commissioner suffered gunshot injuries to his legs and shoulder,” the police official said.
Mehsud was leading the convoy of 17 trucks, which were carrying tents, blankets, medical kits, tarpaulins, solar lamps and sleeping bags.
“The convoy has been temporarily stopped,” Saif said. “The clearance process is ongoing, and the convoy will be sent to Kurram soon.”
Provincial authorities have previously air-dropped relief goods and airlifted ailing and injured people from Kurram to Peshawar via helicopters.
Saturday’s gun attack comes days after a grand jirga, or council of political and tribal elders formed by the KP provincial government, brokered a peace agreement between the warring Shia and Sunni tribes, following weeks of efforts.
Under the peace agreement signed on Wednesday, both sides had agreed on the demolition of bunkers and the handover of heavy weapons to the authorities within two weeks, but the attack on the aid convoy has once again cast a cloud on peace in the restive district.
“The situation is under control and security is on high alert. The government will restore peace in the region at all costs,” Saif said, urging both Sunni and Shia sides to remain peaceful and not fall prey to the “conspiracy.”
According to the peace agreement, any party that launches an attack after the signing of the deal will be considered a “terrorist” and action will be taken against it. Another point of the agreement says that a fine of Rs10 million ($35,933) will be imposed on those who would violate the terms of the deal by using weapons against each other.
Land disputes in the volatile district will be settled on a priority basis with the cooperation of local tribes and the district administration, according to the peace agreement. Opening of banned outfits’ offices will be prohibited in the district, while social media accounts spreading hate will be discouraged via collective efforts backed by the government.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the shooting incident near Bagan.
“The incident is a deliberate and nefarious but unsuccessful attempt to sabotage peace efforts,” CM Gandapur was quoted as saying by his office.
“The provincial government, with the cooperation of the area elders, will continue its efforts until complete peace is restored in the area.”

Topics: kurram district Kurram tribal district sectarian clashes militancy in Pakistan

Pakistan tops world chart in financial losses due to internet shutdowns in 2024 — monitor

Pakistan tops world chart in financial losses due to internet shutdowns in 2024 — monitor
Updated 04 January 2025
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Pakistan tops world chart in financial losses due to internet shutdowns in 2024 — monitor

Pakistan tops world chart in financial losses due to internet shutdowns in 2024 — monitor
  • Internet disruptions lasted 9,735 hours in Pakistan and impacted 82.9 million users last year
  • The South Asian country of more than 240 million people incurred a total of $1.62 billion losses
Updated 04 January 2025
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan suffered highest financial losses in the world this past year due to Internet outages and shutdown of social media applications, a global Internet monitor said this week.
The South Asian country of more than 240 million people remained the single most affected nation in the world in 2024, incurring a total of $1.62 billion financial losses.
This was higher than the cost in civil war-ravaged countries like Sudan and Myanmar, according to a report released by Top10VPN.com, an independent VPN reviewer, on Jan. 2.
The monitor said Internet disruptions lasted 9,735 hours in Pakistan and impacted 82.9 million users, citing election and protests as major reasons behind these outages in the South Asian country.
“Asia was by far the most-affected region, thanks to the particularly impactful Internet restrictions in Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and India,” it said. “These nations were four of the six most-affected countries in 2024.”
In Feb. 2024, Pakistan held its general election that was marred by a mobile Internet shutdown and unusually delayed results, leading to accusations that it was rigged and drawing concern from rights groups and foreign governments. Pakistani election authorities denied the allegations.
Opposition parties, mainly former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, held several protest rallies last year to demand an audit of the election results. Day later, social media website X went down in Pakistan, with the government saying the block was for “security reasons.”
Worldwide, according to Top10VPN.com, Internet shutdowns caused economic losses of $7.69 billion in 2024. These outages lasted 88,788 hours, a 12 percent increase from 2023 and highest to date, and affected 648.4 million people across the globe.
“This kind of deliberate outage is Internet censorship in its most extreme form,” the monitor said. “Not only do they infringe on citizens’ digital rights but they are also catastrophic acts of national economic self-sabotage.”
The calculations were made using the Cost of Shutdown Tool (COST), based on indicators from the World Bank and other global institutions.

Topics: Pakistan internet Internet disruptions internet blackout

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