Pakistan suffers internet slowdown as government denies setting up a national firewall

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — People in Pakistan reported much slower internet over the past several days with some experts on Monday estimating its speed falling to less than half its usual capacity at times.

The problem has affected millions of users, disrupting businesses and drawing nationwide complaints, while authorities have denied allegations that the installation of a national firewall was behind the slowdown.

Since February, users have been either unable to use social media or allowed limited access following a governmental crackdown before the Feb. 8 parliamentary election. However, internet speed has now noticeably slowed down.

Users are unable to quickly send emails or use the messaging service WhatsApp, with businesspeople and doctors saying it has negatively affected their daily work, particularly receiving statements and medical reports.

Pakistan Software House Association, which represents companies specializing in information technology, said in a statement this week that the disruptions could cause a loss of $300 million to the country’s already fragile economy. The association also accused the government of “hastily implementing a national firewall,” leading to the slow connection.

Shahzad Arshad, an internet service provider in the eastern city of Lahore, said that businesses are suffering because they can’t contact international clients or are having trouble sending and receiving files.

Chaudhry Arif, who runs a software company in the capital, Islamabad, said the internet speed was from 40% to 80% slower than the previous week, with no signs of improvement.

On Sunday, Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Technology Shiza Fatima said the government wasn’t behind the slow internet and that no new