Increased 'surveillance' blamed for internet slowdown in Pakistan

As internet users in Pakistan continue to reel under prevailing access and speed issues, the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) has blamed the phenomenon on increased security and surveillance whose adverse repercussions might lead to severe economic repercussions.

"It’s a very discouraging situation for our customers [...] Many are leaving the smaller ISPs because they cannot sustain the poor service quality anymore. If this continues, we will see a mass exodus of businesses from Pakistan," said WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad on Thursday.