WhatsApp and Instagram Outages Reported Across Pakistan

On Saturday, WhatsApp and Instagram users across Pakistan experienced significant outages, causing frustration among millions who rely on these platforms for communication and social interaction. According to Downdetector, a website that tracks service disruptions, users reported a peak of 86 outages on Instagram within just one hour. WhatsApp users began facing issues around 10:45 AM, particularly with sending voice notes, which is a popular feature among users.

In addition to the problems with these social media platforms, internet service interruptions were also noted for major providers such as Zong and PTCL. Reports from various cities, including Karachi and Lahore, indicated that mobile internet services were affected, further compounding the difficulties faced by users trying to connect online.

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has not yet issued a statement regarding these recent outages. However, it is important to note that in August, the PTA had warned that internet services across the country might remain slow until early October. This slowdown was attributed to faults in two of the seven international submarine cables that connect Pakistan to the global internet. The PTA specifically mentioned that the fault in the SMW-4 submarine cable is expected to be repaired by early October 2024, while the AAE-1 cable has already been fixed, which could help improve the overall internet experience.

As users continue to face connectivity issues, it is crucial for service providers to address these outages promptly. The reliance on social media and internet services for both personal and professional communication has never been greater. With the increasing demand for reliable internet access, it is essential for authorities and service providers to ensure that such disruptions are minimized in the future. In the meantime, users are encouraged to remain patient and stay informed about the status of their services, as the situation develops.