Internet and social media access in Pakistan have once again faced major disruption, with users reporting widespread connectivity issues since Monday. Popular platforms including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) are inaccessible without VPNs on several major internet providers.
Users on PTCL, Ufone, Zong, and other networks have complained about being unable to access social platforms or even basic messaging services. Many have also reported a noticeable drop in overall internet speed.
According to reports, some networks like Nayatel are functioning normally, allowing users to access Facebook and X without VPNs. However, PTCL users have said that even WhatsApp messages are failing to deliver.
Data from website outage tracker Downdetector shows hundreds of disruption reports for Facebook from across Pakistan. Users on X are also discussing similar issues, with many unable to post or refresh their feeds.
The latest disruption follows a weekend of severe internet restrictions. Mobile data services were completely shut down in Islamabad and Lahore for several days amid ongoing protests by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
The government had taken strong security measures in response to TLP’s large-scale marches and sit-ins organized in solidarity with Palestine. Roads were sealed, troops were deployed, and mobile internet services were suspended in key urban areas to prevent potential unrest.
In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), acting on directives from the Ministry of Interior, ordered the suspension of 3G and 4G services on October 9. While connectivity has gradually been restored in some regions, users are still facing intermittent disruptions nationwide.
This recurring pattern of internet restrictions has raised concerns among citizens and digital rights advocates, who warn that frequent shutdowns harm businesses, education, and communication. As of now, authorities have not released any official statement explaining the cause or duration of the latest outage.
In other news read more about: Internet Disruptions Persist in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
