Users in Pakistan have been facing disruptions in social media apps like WhatsApp and Instagram, as well as mobile internet services, for nearly a month. The reasons for these interruptions were initially unclear, leaving many frustrated.

However, recent media reports have shed light on the situation, revealing that the slowdowns were likely due to the second trial of a new firewall installation on the country’s internet service providers. This trial was conducted to ensure the effectiveness of the firewall.

Read more: Pakistan Experiences Internet Slowdown as Government Increases Surveillance

The firewall, equipped with Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology, is designed to identify and block anti-state content that could threaten national security. The installation of this system was a deliberate process, requiring temporary service disruptions to complete successfully.

With the installation now finalized, social media apps and mobile internet services are expected to be fully restored within two to three days. These disruptions have had a significant impact on freelancers, online businesses, e-commerce, and various service sectors across Pakistan.