Internet disruption in Pakistan resurfaced over the weekend, frustrating users across the country as connectivity issues impacted daily activities. The disruptions, reportedly linked to security measures amid a political protest, affected mobile internet and services like WhatsApp, igniting criticism from citizens and digital rights groups. The connectivity issues occurred as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) called for a protest in Islamabad, coinciding with heightened security measures in the capital.
Internet Disruption in Pakistan: A Growing Challenge
Users from major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, reported significant issues with mobile internet and messaging platforms, particularly WhatsApp. Reports from outage tracking service Downdetector showed a spike in complaints, with 67% of users unable to send media files and 16% facing issues receiving them.
Global monitoring organization NetBlocks confirmed interruptions across several internet service providers; the disruptions were most prominent in Punjab and Karachi, with sporadic issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan wrestles with recurring internet shutdowns, with X (formerly Twitter) remaining inaccessible for months. Experts and digital rights advocates have raised concerns about such interruptions’ economic and social repercussions, calling for policy reforms.
Spontaneous Shutdowns Linked to Security Measures
The Ministry of Interior justified the partial internet and cellular shutdowns, stating that the measures were confined to “high-risk” areas to ensure public safety during the PTI’s protest. The protest demanded the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently detained in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
While the government defended the actions necessary for maintaining law and order, critics argue that repeated internet disruptions undermine economic productivity and restrict freedom of expression. The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) also warned of the adverse impact on businesses, especially those reliant on digital communication.
Read more: PTA’s Nationwide VPN Crackdown: What It Means for Internet Users in Pakistan
