Recent reports highlight growing frustrations among internet users in Pakistan due to widespread connectivity issues.
Persistent slowdowns, outages, and glitches are affecting many, with no clear resolution from service providers or the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Users across the country are experiencing significant issues with internet connectivity, particularly on mobile data.
Slowdowns, partial outages, and glitches are widespread, with service providers and the PTA offering no clear explanations.
Many are struggling to access internet services due to limited connectivity in certain regions. The government had previously blocked access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) around February’s elections for national security reasons.
Users still require a VPN to access the site.
These disruptions are not only infringing on citizens’ rights but also causing financial losses for online businesses, including e-commerce and ride-hailing services, which are particularly affected by the connectivity issues.
Additionally, users of the popular messaging app WhatsApp are experiencing lengthy delays and failures when uploading and downloading content.
There is growing demand from netizens for the government to stop throttling social media platforms, arguing that it impedes communication rights and damages the country’s global reputation.
Despite repeated attempts to contact them, the PTA has not responded. Recently, PTCL’s mobile internet services were down for a day before being restored.
A recent trial run of a firewall in Pakistan, motivated by concerns over ‘digital journalism,’ has reportedly severely impacted most social media platforms and apps.
This has led to uncertainty about the future of internet-based businesses and raised concerns about digital rights and freedoms.
Officials have indicated that internet speed will improve after the firewall trial concludes. The firewall aims to target social media influencers, whom the government accuses of spreading fake news, by reducing their content’s visibility.