On Friday, Pakistan experienced widespread internet outages that severely disrupted digital communications across multiple cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Karachi. The outages left millions of social media users struggling with connectivity issues, sparking widespread frustration and concern. Many reported difficulties accessing essential online platforms, such as WhatsApp and Instagram, with users facing slowdowns and frequent disconnections.
Speculations and Denials Surround Cause of Outages
Amid the chaos, speculation began to circulate that the disruptions were the result of a new government firewall aimed at monitoring and controlling online activities. However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) quickly denied these claims, asserting that the issue was not linked to any such firewall. A senior PTA official acknowledged the disruptions but stated that they had yet to receive formal complaints regarding the outages. Despite widespread queries from the public, the cause of the internet slowdown remains unclear, with no official explanation from the PTA.
Read More: Internet Outage in Pakistan
Impact on Social Media and Messaging Platforms
The outages significantly affected major online platforms, particularly WhatsApp and Instagram, which serve as vital communication tools for millions of users. Many reported difficulties in uploading and downloading media, sending voice notes, and even exchanging basic messages. The issue has been ongoing since Thursday night, with intermittent disruptions continuing into Friday. Users have taken to platforms like DownDetector to report their issues, with some resorting to virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the disruptions.
The situation has highlighted the deep reliance on digital communication in Pakistan. With many people depending on these platforms for business, personal communication, and daily tasks, the interruptions have caused significant inconvenience. “Millions of people who depend on these platforms for communication, business, and daily tasks have expressed frustration over the interruptions,” said a representative from an internet service provider (ISP). Despite the disruptions, some users reported that WhatsApp and Instagram continued to function normally for them, adding to the confusion.
Read More: No Mobile or Internet Suspension Yet for Pakistan’s Polling Day
As of now, neither the PTA nor major ISPs have provided any clear communication regarding the cause of the disruptions. The lack of official updates has left users anxious and awaiting a resolution. The situation highlights the crucial need for stable internet services in an increasingly digital world, where connectivity plays a central role in both personal and professional life. As users continue to grapple with these issues, the demand for transparency and a swift resolution from the authorities remains high.