WhatsApp was drastically down for most Internet users in Pakistan on Saturday, coinciding with warnings recently issued by P@SHA about the wining consequences of shutting down the Internet or the possible ban of virtual private networks (VPNs).
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Downdetector reported that, between 10 pm and 11 pm, there were 207 complaints regarding limited access from some places. 67 percent of those disheartened by the service could not send media messages, and 16 percent could not receive them. It is now largely in Punjab, although other places in southwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported some sporadic instances, Karachi in Sindh had also heat map by Downdetector.
Industry sources confirmed the media file-sharing difficulties but did not explain the outage’s cause. With no official reason given, speculation ran rampant, with many linking it to the now-postponed protest march by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad on Sunday. Internet service providers were called out by a number of users, infuriated by how suddenly and without warning this had happened.
Disruptions of WhatsApp services have been commonplace within Pakistan, especially so again when there are politically sensitive seasons like PTI protests. Oftentimes, the most criticized rationale is that of technical difficulties or submarine cable faults.
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Triggering frequent connectivity disruptions, PTI supporters were pushed into an uproar on X (formerly Twitter), exhorting Elon Musk to open up StarLink-SpaceX-owned satellite internet service in Pakistan. Intended primarily to provide cheap and reliable internet service, predominantly in unserviced areas, Starlink’s promising availability is often interpreted as a solution to offer depriving connections during emergencies.
This incident censures the bigger picture of internet freedom in Pakistan. P@SHA has warned that running the internet shutdown and restrictions will severely to the digital economy and global reputation of the country. The free and open internet is of central importance to economic stability and public confidence.