WhatsApp, Instagram, other apps face disruptions across Pakistan

Social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, continue to face disruptions in Pakistan as the government enforces measures to curb political protests.

The outages come amid heightened security due to a march to Islamabad by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Reports from users across the country describe widespread access issues, with many struggling to use social media and communication platforms.

Downdetector, which monitors service disruptions, confirmed that users in Pakistan were experiencing problems accessing these platforms, alongside general internet slowdowns.

The government had earlier announced plans to disrupt internet services in areas deemed sensitive due to security concerns but has not provided an official explanation regarding the social media outages. The lack of communication regarding the outages has raised questions, particularly given the timing of the disruptions as PTI's protest approaches.

An Islamabad-based journalist expressed frustration over the impact of the disruptions, noting that they have made daily activities difficult. "Surviving without the internet is almost impossible in this day and age, whether it’s for work or education," he said.

In Karachi, a 27-year-old citizen shared his frustrations, telling local media sources that the internet’s slow speeds were making tasks like sharing media on WhatsApp nearly impossible. "It’s super frustrating and slows everything down," he said.

In Lahore, a female citizen called the shutdowns a violation of citizens’ rights to information and free speech. "The irony is that the government itself uses these platforms," she noted, highlighting the contradictions in the authorities' actions.

The disruptions are seen as part of broader efforts by the government to limit PTI’s mobilisation ahead of their planned protest.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has deployed thousands of police and paramilitary forces around Islamabad to control potential unrest.

As PTI leader Imran Khan urges his supporters to gather in the capital, the disruptions are expected to continue, further raising concerns about the impact of digital censorship on Pakistan’s population.