Summary:
- Internet users in Pakistan are struggling with limited connectivity and partial outages, with no official updates from authorities.
- The government’s blocking of social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and recent firewall trials have worsened the situation.
- Online businesses, including e-commerce and ride-hailing services, face financial losses due to the disrupted internet services.
Internet users in Pakistan are facing significant challenges as connectivity issues and partial outages continue without official explanations from the authorities. Customers report difficulties accessing services, particularly through mobile data in various regions, leading to widespread frustration.
The situation worsened following the government’s decision to block access to the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, around the February elections due to national security concerns. Users now must use a VPN (virtual private network) to access the site, highlighting ongoing restrictions on digital communication.
The disruptions extend beyond social media. The widely used messaging app WhatsApp is plagued by delays and failures in uploading and downloading content, further exacerbating the issue. Online businesses, including e-commerce and ride-hailing services, are also suffering from the connectivity problems, which are impacting their operations and contributing to financial losses.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has yet to address these issues publicly, despite numerous inquiries. Recently, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) mobile internet services experienced a daylong outage before being restored.
A recent trial of a new firewall, prompted by security concerns over digital journalism, has nearly crippled most social media platforms and applications. This firewall is part of a broader government effort to control social media influencers, whom officials accuse of spreading misinformation. The installation of this firewall aims to limit the reach of such content, but it has raised serious concerns about digital rights and freedoms.
Government officials have indicated that internet speeds will improve once the firewall trial is complete. However, the ongoing issues have sparked uncertainty about the future of internet-based businesses and have raised alarms about the impact on digital rights and freedoms in Pakistan.
