Internet in Pakistan Will Go Down. If you are worried about internet in Pakistan going down on 15 January 2026, you are not alone. Many users are already experiencing fear of slow speeds or outages. This article explains what is happening, why it matters, and how it may affect you.
As an SEO blogger with hands-on experience covering Pakistan’s telecom and digital ecosystem, I have broken down everything in simple, clear language.
Why Internet in Pakistan May Go Down on 15 January 2026
Internet services across Pakistan are expected to face temporary disruption due to scheduled maintenance on an international submarine cable.
According to an official customer notification issued by Nayatel, the maintenance work is unavoidable and time-sensitive.
Key Maintenance Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 15 January 2026 |
| Time | Around 2:00 PM (PKT) |
| Duration | Up to 8 hours |
| Impact | Internet slowness nationwide |
| Cause | Submarine cable maintenance |
This maintenance is part of routine international network upkeep and not a cyberattack or government shutdown.
What Is a Submarine Cable and Why It Matters
Submarine cables are undersea fiber-optic cables that carry nearly 99% of Pakistan’s international internet traffic. These cables connect Pakistan to global internet hubs.
Why Submarine Cables Are Critical
- Carry international data traffic
- Enable cloud services, video calls, and streaming
- Support banking, freelancing, and online businesses
- Ensure stable connectivity with global servers
Even maintenance on one cable can cause noticeable internet slowdown across the country.
Will Internet Completely Shut Down in Pakistan?
No.
The internet will not completely shut down, but users may experience:
- Slow browsing speed
- Video buffering
- Delays in uploads and downloads
- Lag during online meetings
- Disruptions in gaming and streaming
Local services may continue working, but anything relying on international servers can be affected.
Is This the Second Internet Disruption in January 2026?
Yes. This is the second major internet-related issue within two weeks.
What Happened on 1 January 2026
On 1 January 2026, Pakistan faced widespread internet outages due to an issue with one of its upstream international providers.
That disruption:
- Lasted over 48 hours
- Affected mobile data and broadband users
- Impacted businesses, freelancers, and students nationwide
This history is why users are extra concerned about 15 January 2026.
Areas Most Likely to Be Affected
Internet slowdown may be observed across:
- Karachi
- Lahore
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi
- Faisalabad
- Peshawar
- Quetta
Both home broadband and mobile internet users may feel the impact.
Which Internet Services May Be Affected
Likely Impacted Services
- Freelancing platforms
- Online banking apps
- Cloud-based software
- Streaming services
- VPN connections
- International websites
Less Affected Services
- Local Pakistani websites
- Domestic apps
- Some local CDN-based platforms
Why Nayatel Issued the Warning
Nayatel informed its customers early to ensure transparency and reduce panic.
The company stated that:
- The maintenance is unavoidable
- The inconvenience is temporary
- Users should expect slowness, not blackout
This proactive approach is a good sign for users.
How Long Will the Internet Issue Last
The maintenance window is up to 8 hours, but actual impact may vary.
Possible Scenarios
- Best case: Mild slowdown for 2–3 hours
- Normal case: Slowness during peak hours
- Worst case: Noticeable lag for full 8 hours
Most ISPs reroute traffic when possible to reduce impact.
How to Prepare for Internet Slowdown on 15 January
Here are some practical tips based on real experience:
For Freelancers
- Upload files early
- Avoid live meetings during peak hours
- Inform clients in advance
For Students
- Download lectures beforehand
- Avoid online exams if possible
- Save assignments offline
For Businesses
- Schedule critical tasks earlier
- Use backup internet options
- Monitor network performance
Is This a Government Internet Shutdown?
No.
This is not a government-imposed internet shutdown. It is a technical maintenance issue, unrelated to politics, security, or censorship.
How Pakistan Can Avoid Future Internet Disruptions
Pakistan needs:
- More submarine cable redundancy
- Better load balancing
- Local data centers
- Stronger peering agreements
Investment in digital infrastructure is crucial for a growing online economy.
FAQs About Internet in Pakistan 15 January
Will internet be completely down in Pakistan on 15 January 2026?
No. Users may experience slowdown, not a full shutdown.
Why is Pakistan’s internet slowing down again?
Due to maintenance on an international submarine cable.
Which ISP confirmed the internet issue?
Nayatel officially informed its customers.
How long will the internet issue last?
Up to 8 hours, starting around 2 PM.
Will mobile internet also be affected?
Yes, mobile data may also experience slowness.
Conclusion
Internet in Pakistan may slow down on 15 January 2026, but this is a temporary and technical issue. There is no reason to panic. Being prepared can help you avoid frustration.
