Pakistan ranks low in global mobile and broadband internet speeds in October report

Pakistan ranked among the lowest 12% globally for mobile and broadband internet speeds in October, according to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index. The country placed 100 out of 111 for mobile speeds and 141 out of 158 for broadband. Users have reported slow internet speeds and connectivity issues, which have been linked to a government upgrade of its web management system for cybersecurity. The government has denied claims of a firewall causing disruptions. In December, the interior ministry withdrew a request to ban unregulated VPNs, citing legal issues. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority had previously urged citizens to register VPNs, but disruptions were attributed to technical glitches.