AWS Outage and Cable Fault Slow Down Internet Services Across Pakistan
Internet users in Pakistan faced major connectivity issues on Monday, caused by a global Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage combined with a suspected submarine cable fault.
Popular apps like WhatsApp, Reddit, Snapchat, Airbnb, and Prime Video became inaccessible or extremely slow. Messaging services, financial apps, and even some UK banks also faced problems. AWS later confirmed that a DNS error caused widespread failures across its services.
Although AWS began restoring services within a few hours, users in Pakistan continued to experience slow browsing and unstable connections. Several ISPs reportedly informed customers that the issue involved the PEACE cable, which connects Pakistan to China through Karachi. This cable delivers high-capacity bandwidth crucial for local connectivity.
Lack of Official Communication Raises Concerns
Despite user complaints, there has been no official statement from local ISPs, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), or the IT Ministry.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja attributed the service disruption to the AWS outage but did not confirm any cable issue. On the other hand, digital expert Habibullah Khan claimed that a core system cable cut was affecting internet speeds. He reported that teams were testing to locate the fault in the submarine infrastructure.
Pakistan’s Internet Still Vulnerable
Pakistan relies on several undersea cables like PEACE, AAE-1, SMW4, and IMEWE for its international internet access. The ongoing slowdown highlights the fragility of the country’s digital infrastructure and the urgent need for improved resilience and redundancy.
