According to sources from NetMag, social media and internet services are expected to return to normal within the next two to three days. This follows the installation of a firewall, a significant measure aimed at regulating online content and ensuring a secure digital environment in Pakistan.
The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (Wispap) reported that connection speeds have declined by 30 to 40% over the past few weeks. Wispap also warned that the situation has reached a critical point, with many companies now considering relocating their operations abroad.
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Since last week, users of popular online platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp have faced considerable difficulties, including sluggish performance and problems accessing these widely-used messaging and social media apps.
Reports of social media outages surged again today around 1 PM, according to the internet disruption tracker Downdetector. Similar issues were observed with other platforms, such as Facebook, and internet service providers like Nayatel. ProPakistani staff also experienced interruptions in internet access. The widespread nature of these problems has led to speculation about their origin. Some users have suggested that the government may be responsible, speculating that authorities have implemented a firewall to monitor and control online activity.
However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has denied that the disruptions were caused by a firewall.
