ISLAMABAD: Widespread internet outages on Friday disrupted multiple cities across Pakistan, leaving social media users struggling with connectivity issues.
Speculation arose among users that the disruptions might be due to a firewall installed by the government to monitor and control online activity. However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) denied that the outages were linked to any such firewall.
A senior official from the PTA acknowledged that the outages had sparked numerous queries, although no formal complaints had been received. The exact cause of the internet slowdown remains unclear, with no official explanation provided by the PTA, which insists that their systems are functioning properly. Users are eagerly awaiting updates and a resolution to the issue.
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Major online platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, were severely affected, with users reporting slowdowns and difficulties in accessing messaging and social media applications.
“Millions of people who rely on these platforms for communication, business, and daily activities have expressed frustration over the interruptions,” said an internet service provider (ISP). The ISP also mentioned that users have been experiencing continuous service disruptions since last week.
WhatsApp, in particular, has been almost unusable, with users complaining of difficulties in uploading and downloading content. “Many users reported being unable to send or receive messages or download media through the application,” the ISP added.
Other social media platforms, such as Facebook, were also impacted, with reports of slow loading times and issues in uploading content.
“This situation underscores the deep reliance on digital communication in the country, highlighting the crucial role stable internet services play in connecting people and supporting daily life in an increasingly digital world,” commented a user who operates an online business.