Internet users unable to access social media sites amid connectivity issues as widespread outages hit major Pakistani cities, leaving millions grappling with disruptions.
Speculation arose that the disruptions were due to a government-installed firewall aimed at monitoring and controlling online activity, but the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) denied these claims. A senior PTA official acknowledged that the outages had prompted numerous queries, but they had yet to receive formal complaints. The exact cause of the internet slowdown remains unknown, with the PTA maintaining that their systems are functioning normally.
Major platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp were severely affected, with users reporting significant slowdowns and difficulties accessing messaging and social media apps. “Millions who rely on these platforms for communication, business, and daily tasks have expressed frustration over the ongoing interruptions,” said an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP also noted that users have faced continuous disruptions since last week.
WhatsApp, in particular, was nearly unusable, with many users reporting issues sending or receiving messages and downloading media. Other social media platforms, such as Facebook, experienced slow loading times and difficulties uploading content.
“The situation underscores the country’s deep reliance on digital communication, highlighting the critical importance of stable internet services in connecting people and supporting daily life in an increasingly digital world,” commented an online business owner.
