Pakistan Plunged into Digital Lockdown: Floods Shatter Internet Backbone, Millions Disconnected Nationwide

Islamabad(The Uttam Hindu): Pakistan’s devastating floods have not only claimed hundreds of lives but also pushed the nation into a massive digital crisis. On Wednesday, August 21, 2025, a nationwide internet shutdown crippled businesses, financial services, and daily life, with industry experts calling it one of the worst technological disasters in recent years.

According to the Wireless & Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan, nearly two-thirds of the country’s internet users — 2 out of every 3 people — were affected. Shockingly, this disaster unfolded on the same date three years ago, when floods in August 2022 had similarly damaged fiber optic cables, raising serious questions about the government’s preparedness.

Industry leaders blamed Pakistan’s fragile infrastructure for the collapse. Association President Shahzad Arshad called it a “national failure,” warning that internet shutdowns are no longer rare in Pakistan. “In 2025, to see such a massive outage on the same date again is a wake-up call for the government,” he said, stressing that internet is now as vital as electricity, and every hour of blackout costs Pakistan millions along with its international credibility.

The association urged regulators to take urgent corrective measures — including strengthening infrastructure, building regional internet exchanges, and investing in reliable backup systems. “Pakistan’s digital future cannot remain hostage to a single point of failure,” Arshad added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) admitted service disruptions but assured that teams were working on urgent restoration. Independent internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed that national connectivity had dropped to just 20% of normal levels, with PTCL’s backbone network hit the hardest.