Internet users across several cities in Pakistan are experiencing significant slowdowns in service, impacting access to major platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. Reports indicate that the disruptions began on December 1, 2024, causing frustration among users reliant on stable internet for personal communication and online business activities.
Downdetector confirmed a spike in outages for various services around 11 a.m. local time, with users struggling to browse and upload media files. This slowdown has been particularly challenging for online businesses, which depend on reliable connectivity.
While internet disruptions are not new to Pakistan, the frequency of such outages has increased in recent months, often linked to government actions. The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has been testing an internet firewall intended to monitor anti-state content, which has previously resulted in reduced speeds.
Despite the ongoing issues, the PTA has delayed the blocking of virtual private networks (VPNs) initially scheduled for November 30, as they seek to accommodate compliance requests. However, no new deadline for VPN registration has been announced, leaving users and businesses in uncertainty.