Internet slowdown persists in Pakistan amid social media users’ outcry

ISLAMABAD: Internet users across the country are facing ongoing slowdowns, partial outages, and glitches, with service providers unable to offer explanations, and no word from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the top cyber regulator.

Customers are having trouble accessing internet services due to limited connectivity, particularly while using mobile data in some regions.

The government blocked access to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, around February’s election, citing national security concerns, but users still cannot open the website without using a VPN (virtual private network).

The internet disruption is not only affecting citizens’ rights but also causing financial losses to the national exchequer, as several online businesses, including e-commerce and ride-hailing services, are bearing the brunt of the restricted connectivity.

Users of the widely used messaging application WhatsApp in Pakistan have also reported frustratingly long delays and failures when uploading and downloading content of all types.

Netizens are demanding that the government avoid throttling social media platforms arguing that it was not only hindering communication, which is their basic right, but also bringing a bad name to the country globally.

The PTA has yet to respond to the matter despite being contacted repeatedly.

Lately, the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) mobile internet services went down, which were restored after a daylong breakdown.

Reportedly, a recent trial run of a firewall in Pakistan, prompted by security concerns over ‘digital journalism,’ has nearly crippled most social media platforms and apps.

This has sparked uncertainty about the future of internet-based businesses and raised serious concerns about digital rights and freedoms.

Last month, government officials familiar with the situation stated that internet speed would be restored after the firewall trial was completed.

An official said that the installation of firewall was aimed at social media influencers which, the government believes, are involved in spreading fake news. The firewall will reduce their reach by blocking their content or making it less visible, he said.