A global population survey report has revealed that Pakistan ranks 198th out of 198 countries in internet speed, placing it at the bottom of the list.
The report indicates that Pakistan’s internet speeds lag behind those of nations such as Palestine, Bhutan, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Libya. The country’s average mobile internet download speed is 19.59 Mbps, while the average broadband speed is 15.52 Mbps.
In contrast, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leads globally in both mobile and broadband internet speeds. Singapore is second in mobile internet, while Qatar ranks third in broadband. Hong Kong and Chile follow, ranking third and fourth in mobile internet speeds.
Optimism for Future Improvements
The report hopes technological advancements will improve Pakistan’s Internet Speed over time. Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association, stated that internet speed issues are expected to be resolved within three months. However, he cautioned that introducing firewalls could lead to new connectivity challenges.
Read: Pakistan Govt Responds to Nationwide Internet Outages
“If a WhatsApp message is sent but images fail to transfer, it may suggest active monitoring,” he added.
Widespread Internet Connectivity Challenges
Across Pakistan, users face recurring internet outages and slow speeds, disrupting browsing, downloading, and media-sharing activities.
Reports highlight significant slowdowns in Wi-Fi and mobile data services, making it particularly difficult for users to send or receive media files on platforms like WhatsApp, such as images, videos, and voice notes.
Addressing these challenges is essential for improving Pakistan’s internet speed, enhancing its digital infrastructure, and supporting the growth of its digital economy.