Tech Desk 
Nov 24, 2024
Instagram users in Pakistan are facing widespread outages, with many unable to access the app, upload posts, or view feeds. This disruption reported globally on November 24, has affected millions of users.
In Pakistan, the issue coincides with government-ordered internet shutdowns during a PTI rally, creating a double blow for connectivity nationwide.
The government suspended mobile and broadband services in Pakistan across cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, citing security concerns. This disruption, aimed at controlling unrest, has caused chaos for businesses, students, and individuals who rely on the internet for their daily activities.
Downdetector reports that 65% of the global Instagram complaints are related to the app itself, 25% to server connections, and 9% to the feed. Locally, the restrictions have made the situation worse, as people struggle to stay connected during these critical hours.
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) criticised the internet bans, calling them harmful to the economy and a setback for digital development. Many businesses, especially those relying on platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, have been paralysed, leading to mounting frustrations.
However, Instagram outage is not limited to Pakistan, as similar disruptions have been reported globally, indicating a significant technical issue impacting Instagram's services worldwide. The platform has yet to provide an official explanation for the disruptions.
