After Advising to Take Less Tea to Save Money, Govt Suggests Limited Internet Use to Fix Slow Speeds

Pakistan’s Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Division, Syed Sajid Mehdi, recently proposed an unusual solution to address the country’s persistent internet slowdowns. Speaking on Sunday, he suggested limited internet use to “important matters only,” according to a report by Dawn. His remarks have sparked discussions nationwide, highlighting frustrations over slow connectivity and its impact on daily life and economic activities.

After Advising Less Tea to Save Money, Govt Suggests Limited Internet Use to Fix Slow Speeds

Pakistan has long struggled with internet issues, including sluggish download speeds on apps like WhatsApp and frequent outages. These challenges have led to criticism from IT professionals and businesses reliant on consistent connectivity. Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), emphasized the economic repercussions of such disruptions. “A one-hour internet slowdown may not seem critical to individuals, but for sectors like stock markets, airports, and banks in advanced countries, it erodes trust in Pakistan’s IT sector,” he noted. The IT industry estimates losses exceeding USD 1 million per hour during connectivity failures, which disproportionately affect export-driven businesses.

Mehdi likened the country’s internet infrastructure to an overcrowded road. He explained, “When there’s too much load on the internet, it’s like a congested road—cars move slower if there’s traffic. Similarly, when 10 people use a system designed for five, it slows everything down.” Mehdi attributed these issues to Pakistan’s underdeveloped fibre-optic network, pointing out that it operates at just 15% of India’s capacity.

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Mehdi reassured the public that efforts are underway to expand the network and address the slowdowns within three to four months. However, he also suggested that individuals reduce “unnecessary” internet usage, stating, “I’m not saying stop using it altogether, but use it for work and important matters rather than for unproductive activities.” When questioned about misuse, he added, “Reducing negative internet usage would be beneficial for everyone.”

Despite acknowledging the connectivity challenges, Mehdi dismissed claims of significant financial losses. In response to P@SHA’s report, he stated, “We haven’t received official complaints or requests regarding financial losses. Personal losses, if any, are a separate matter.”

Digital analysts have drawn attention to government initiatives that may exacerbate the problem. According to the report, the government has been testing a firewall system capable of monitoring and restricting online content, particularly images or videos shared from protests on social media. These measures, aimed at controlling digital narratives, have been linked to recent slowdowns.

Our Thoughts

The suggestion to limit internet usage as a solution to Pakistan’s connectivity woes has drawn significant criticism for its lack of practicality and vision. While the analogy of an “overcrowded road” is relatable, it oversimplifies the complexities of digital infrastructure. The statement appears to shift responsibility from systemic issues, such as the underdeveloped fibre-optic network, to individual users. This approach undermines the importance of robust technological advancements in a rapidly digitizing world. Moreover, dismissing the financial losses reported by the IT sector reflects a concerning disconnect between policymakers and industry stakeholders. Instead of encouraging citizens to reduce internet usage, the focus should be on accelerating infrastructure upgrades, ensuring equitable access, and fostering digital growth to strengthen Pakistan’s economy and global IT standing.