The nation’s leading cyber regulator, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), has not responded to complaints from internet customers experiencing continuous slowdowns, partial outages, and malfunctions. Service providers have also been unable to provide an explanation.
Limited connection is causing problems for customers trying to access internet services, especially in areas where utilizing mobile data is restricted.
Around the time of the February election, the government blocked access to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, citing worries about national security. Users are unable to access the website without using a virtual private network, or VPN.
In addition to impairing people’ rights, the national exchequer is suffering financial losses as a result of the internet outage. E-commerce and ride-hailing services are among the online enterprises most negatively impacted.
In Pakistan, users of the popular messaging software WhatsApp have also complained about excruciatingly long wait times and problems while uploading and downloading any kind of material.
Social media users are pleading with the government to refrain from limiting these platforms, claiming that doing so not only violates their fundamental right to free speech but also damages the nation’s reputation abroad.
The mobile internet services of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) were unavailable recently, however they came back online following a 24-hour outage.
It is said that major social media sites and applications were almost completely rendered inoperable during a recent firewall experiment conducted in Pakistan, which was sparked by security worries around “digital journalism.”
This has caused severe worries about digital rights and liberties as well as doubt about the future of internet-based enterprises.
Officials from the government who are aware of the issue said last month that internet speed will be restored following the conclusion of the firewall testing.
