Ratodero, December 28, 2024: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari lambasted the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government over poor internet services in the country, questioning why undersea fibre optic cables seem to be uniquely vulnerable in Pakistan.
“PML-N’s politics revolves around motorways, but for our generation, infrastructure means digitalization, internet, and speed,” Bilawal said while speaking to journalists in Ratodero. Referring to recent internet disruptions, he remarked, “Why do fish only cut Pakistan’s undersea cables?”
Internet users across Pakistan have been facing persistent slow speeds and outages. According to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index, Pakistan ranks 100 out of 111 countries in mobile internet speeds, with a download speed of 20.61 Mbps. For broadband, it ranks 141 out of 158, with download speeds of 15.60 Mbps.
Bilawal criticized the government for reducing internet quality instead of improving it. “How can the government contradict itself? First, they claimed the internet cables were cut, and later they retracted the statement. Why bother with VPNs when we don’t even have reliable high-speed internet?” he asked.
The PPP chairman also accused the federal government of failing to address the grievances of smaller provinces, particularly in water distribution. Highlighting the controversial plan to construct new canals to divert water from the Indus River, Bilawal said such unilateral projects violate the IRSA (Indus River System Authority) agreement.
“Kalabagh Dam was also a unilateral decision, and we prevented its implementation. Such projects deepen mistrust between the provinces,” he said, urging the federal government to engage in mutual consultation.
Bilawal emphasized that water is a fundamental right and reiterated the PPP’s commitment to resolving the challenges faced by people in all provinces despite limited resources.
While welcoming improvements in economic indicators, Bilawal stressed that any economic progress must translate into tangible benefits for the public. “If the economy is improving, its impact should reach the people,” he said.
Responding to recent statements by US politicians perceived as supporting former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Bilawal dismissed them as “political posturing.” He warned against leaders using conspiracy narratives, emphasizing that such rhetoric is harmful to the country.
The PPP chairman also expressed concern over foreign interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs, accusing international powers of targeting Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programs under the guise of political commentary. “PTI’s founder is just an excuse; their real target is Pakistan’s strategic assets,” he asserted.
Bilawal reiterated the PPP’s stance against external meddling, vowing to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and public welfare.
