Pakistan’s internet speed rankings paint a grim picture of the nation’s digital infrastructure. According to the World Population Review, Pakistan is ranked 198th out of 224 countries, trailing behind Palestine, Bhutan, Ghana, and even conflict-ridden Libya. The average mobile internet download speed in Pakistan stands at 19.59 Mbps, while broadband fares slightly worse at 15.52 Mbps.
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In stark contrast, the United Arab Emirates leads globally with an astonishing average mobile speed of 297.62 Mbps, followed by Singapore and Hong Kong. Even regional competitor India outpaces Pakistan, ranking 72nd with far superior internet speeds. These figures highlight Pakistan’s failure to invest in modern digital infrastructure, leaving it near the bottom of the global connectivity spectrum.
Adding to users’ frustration, frequent outages and slowdowns plague both mobile and broadband services, severely impacting daily activities. Tasks as basic as sharing media on platforms like WhatsApp are riddled with delays, and browsing the web often feels like a chore. Despite claims of improvements by local authorities, experts warn that looming measures like the implementation of a national firewall could exacerbate the already dire situation.
While other nations prioritize advancements in technology and infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity, Pakistan’s internet providers continue to offer subpar service under the guise of “high-speed internet.” This lack of accountability not only hampers progress but also leaves millions of Pakistanis disconnected in a world increasingly reliant on digital access.
It’s high time Pakistan’s internet providers and policymakers recognize the urgency of improving digital infrastructure to bridge the growing digital divide.
