Tech Desk 
Dec 04, 2024
Gone are the days when internet users in Pakistan had the privilege of having uninterrupted connections as the country’s continues to grapple with internet and social media disruptions.
With intermittent outages becoming a norm since November 23, experts warned that these disruptions have badly slowed down the operations of and businesses and individuals depending on internet digital services for communication.
WhatsApp users on Tuesday again reported disruptions to voice and messaging services, according to Downdetector, an independent website monitoring service outages in real-time.
The most common complaints were related to voice issues (35%), followed by 33% problems with both messaging and app functionality.
Similarly, Instagram users also experienced significant issues, with 66% of users reporting problems with the app and 19% facing feed-related difficulties.
The disruptions were reportedly widespread, with major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad being among the hardest hit.
Although they “were intended to address security risks, they have significantly disrupted digital communications and economic activity,” said Shahzad Arshad, chairperson of the Wireless & Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (Wispap), regarding internet distortions.
Waqas Naeem, a digital media consultant, highlighted that sectors like telemedicine and remote education, which have become vital post-pandemic, are severely affected.
Internet disruptions hinder access to critical healthcare and learning resources, Naeem said, urging the government to implement measures to prevent internet lags.
The consultant also stressed that reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity for progress.
