The digital landscape of Pakistan found itself in turmoil on Sunday night as reports of widespread internet disruptions and social media outages surfaced. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in response to the uproar from netizens, announced on Monday that it was actively investigating the reported disruptions in certain areas of the country.
Unveiling the Internet Outage: Cities Most Affected
1. Social Media Apps Face Outage
Users across Pakistan encountered serious disruptions in accessing popular social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter). The outage, as reported by users, began after 7:00 pm on Sunday, leaving a significant number of netizens frustrated.
2. Cities in the Spotlight
The impact of the internet disruption was notably felt in major cities, with Karachi, Lahore, Mir Pur Khas, and Rawalpindi emerging as the most affected areas. The outage sparked concerns and queries among users who were left grappling with the sudden disruption.
PTA’s Response: Investigating Internet Disruption Reports
3. PTA’s Official Statement
On Monday, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority addressed the mounting concerns, stating that it was actively investigating reports of internet disruptions in specific areas of the country. However, the PTA reassured the public that the overall situation of internet access across the nation remained normal.
4. Downdetector’s Insight
Downdetector, a platform monitoring online service disruptions, highlighted the extensive downtime of social media apps, particularly their website versions. The timing of the outage and its widespread impact drew attention to the severity of the issue.
User Experiences and Concerns: Slow Internet and VPN Solutions
5. Reports of Slow Internet
Numerous internet users voiced their frustrations, citing slow internet speeds during the reported disruptions. However, an intriguing observation was made as some users noted that turning on a Virtual Private Network (VPN) seemingly resolved the lagging issues, raising questions about intentional slowing down.
6. Social Media Echo Chamber
Social media platforms, particularly X, served as a virtual echo chamber where users shared their experiences and concerns. A journalist on X initiated a conversation, highlighting difficulties in accessing Twitter/X and other platforms, prompting a wave of responses from individuals facing similar challenges.
7. Seeking Confirmation on Limitations
Amidst the digital turbulence, a user on X raised a crucial question about imposed limitations on internet access and the use of social media applications in Pakistan. The need for confirmation and clarity on potential restrictions became a focal point of discussions.