ISLAMABAD: Internet disruption on Wednesday left Pakistanis in several cities struggling with connectivity as social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp were badly hit by the slowdown.
The outages have sparked widespread frustration among social media users and businesses reliant on online platforms.
The internet slowdown, which some users believe stemmed from a new firewall installed by the government to monitor and control social media activity, comes without any official word from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
While Facebook and WhatsApp users reported significant disruptions, the PTA has not yet provided an explanation.
It should be noted that X, formerly known as Twitter, has been officially banned in Pakistan for approximately six months, forcing users to rely on VPNs to access the platform.
Also read: Firewall testing causing internet slowdown in Pakistan
For online businesses and entrepreneurs, the recurring outages are particularly frustrating. Many report significant challenges in sustaining global competitiveness due to unreliable internet connections.
According to media reports, the internet outages are part of an ongoing trend attributed to the government’s controversial firewall system, reportedly installed to regulate digital activity and address “undesirable” content.
These disruptions began following the government’s efforts to enhance its control over digital media through the PTA.
The PTA has previously claimed that the firewall aims to provide a “safe digital environment.”
However, critics argue that it is restrictive and detrimental to business operations, limiting Pakistan’s capacity to engage in the digital economy.
It was reported that the PTA’s lack of transparency on the matter has led to mounting frustrations among citizens, with some accusing the authority of impeding essential online activity under the pretext of regulation.