Internet users across Pakistan experienced significant issues connecting to WhatsApp on Saturday night. The disruptions began around 10 PM, with users reporting difficulties sending and receiving messages, particularly media files.
Outage tracking website Downdetector recorded a peak of 207 complaints within an hour. Approximately 67% of users reported trouble sending messages, while 16% faced problems receiving them.
Punjab and Sindh Hit Hard
The disruptions predominantly affected Punjab, with Karachi reporting the most significant impact in Sindh. Sporadic issues were also reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to Downdetector’s heat map.
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IT industry professionals noted challenges in sharing media files but were unable to determine the root cause of the problem. Internet service providers (ISPs) faced customer backlash over the sudden outage, with users expressing frustration at the inability to use the app effectively.
Speculation Over PTI Protest Link
In the absence of an official explanation, some users speculated that the outage was linked to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) high-profile protest in Islamabad on Sunday. WhatsApp disruptions have frequently coincided with major political events, including PTI protests.
Officials have previously attributed such issues to technical glitches or damage to submarine cables. However, no official statement was issued regarding Saturday’s outage.
Calls for Starlink Availability
On X (formerly Twitter), PTI-affiliated accounts launched a campaign urging Elon Musk to introduce Starlink in Pakistan. Starlink, a satellite-based internet service developed by Musk’s SpaceX, aims to provide reliable and low-cost internet access to remote areas.
The campaign highlighted growing concerns over Pakistan’s frequent internet disruptions and raised hopes for an alternative solution to the country’s connectivity challenges.
P@SHA’s Warning on Internet Restrictions
The outage occurred just days after the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) warned the government about the repercussions of internet shutdowns and a potential virtual private network (VPN) ban. P@SHA emphasized the risks such actions pose to the IT industry and Pakistan’s digital economy.
Frequent outages and restrictions have fueled concerns about the government’s approach to regulating the internet, particularly during politically sensitive events.
Recurring Issue for WhatsApp Users
WhatsApp outages have become a recurring issue in Pakistan, often sparking public frustration and debates about internet freedom. The disruptions on Saturday night were the latest in a series of connectivity problems faced by users across the country.
As users struggle with unreliable internet services, calls for better infrastructure and alternative solutions like Starlink have gained momentum.
Despite widespread complaints, neither WhatsApp nor government officials provided any clarification about the outage. This silence has only deepened speculation and concerns among users and industry professionals alike.
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