Internet Disruptions Persist in Karachi and Across Pakistan

Internet users across Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, experienced severe connectivity issues on Monday, making it challenging to browse, download, or share media files.

Many users of Meta’s popular messaging app, WhatsApp, reported significant delays and failures in sending or receiving media, including images, videos, and voice notes.

The disruption of WiFi and mobile data networks, along with significant drops in internet speed, caused widespread frustration.

Downdetector.com, a platform that tracks service outages, confirmed a spike in WhatsApp disruptions at approximately 9 a.m. on Monday. This marked the second consecutive day of heightened connectivity issues.

In Karachi, areas like Saddar, Liaquatabad, FB Area, and Gulistan-e-Johar were among the hardest hit.

Residents voiced their concerns about extended delays in transmitting files, which particularly impacted freelancers, remote workers, digital marketers, and students reliant on stable internet access for online education.

No Official Explanation Yet

Despite the widespread disruptions, authorities have not provided a clear explanation for the slow internet speeds.

Shahzad Arshad, Chairman of the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (Wispap), discussed the situation during an appearance on Geo News’ Geo Pakistan.

He highlighted ongoing issues with internet speed and underscored the importance of virtual private networks (VPNs) for internet users in Pakistan.

Arshad also revealed that he had requested the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to extend the registration period for VPNs to address user needs.

“Internet service providers (ISPs) currently lack a solution to the low-speed problem,” Arshad admitted, reiterating complaints about the dysfunction of social media platforms in recent days.

Frequent Disruptions Plague Internet Services

Internet disruptions have become a recurring issue in Pakistan, with connectivity problems linked to various events and government initiatives.

Last week, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad disrupted internet and mobile services.

Additionally, trials of the government’s internet firewall earlier this year in July and August caused widespread slowdowns and platform disruptions.

IT experts warn that Pakistan’s poor internet infrastructure is exacting a heavy toll on its economy, estimating daily losses in the billions of rupees due to unreliable digital connectivity.

As users and businesses struggle to cope with these persistent issues, calls are growing for the government and ISPs to implement long-term solutions to stabilize internet services in the country.