Internet disruptions across Pakistan persisted on Sunday, December 1, prompting public frustration while the government dismissed concerns about the situation, terming it “blown out of proportion.”
Pakistan is currently experiencing widespread internet disruptions, which means users are unable to access popular social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. Access to social media platform X has been blocked since February this year.
This weekend, users reported slow speeds, difficulties in downloading WhatsApp media, and intermittent connectivity in recent months.
The disruptions intensified last week after the government restricted mobile services during a PTI rally. According to Downdetector, a platform monitoring outages, 57 complaints were lodged for WhatsApp, 86 for TikTok, and 161 for Instagram on Sunday.
IT Minister clarifies concerns over firewall
In an interview with Geo News, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja addressed concerns over the firewall, stating it was “blown out of proportion” and that a web management system had been in place for 10 years. She emphasized, “There is nothing controversial about a country working on its cyber security,” noting that “the entire world used different cyber security mechanisms.”
She emphasized that cybersecurity mechanisms are standard globally, adding, “Pakistan faces millions of cyberattacks daily, making it increasingly challenging to detect terrorist activities.”
Digital analysts suggested that government is testing a “firewall” capable of monitoring platforms and blocking content, including videos of protests shared on WhatsApp.
Govt urges VPN users to register IPs for uninterrupted access
Meanwhile, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has urged businesses and freelancers to continue registering their IPs for uninterrupted VPN access.
“We strongly urge users to continue registering their IPs through the PTA website”, she said, adding that that the government is fully conscious of the need for secure communications, and is working towards further smoothening the process of activation and usage of VPN.
Pakistan government decided to restrict access to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to curb content access. Earlier this month, the Interior Ministry instructed the PTA to block “illegal VPNs” used by terrorists for “violent activities” and to access “pornographic and blasphemous content.”
Blocking of unregistered VPNs
The interior ministry directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), citing their misuse for accessing prohibited content and facilitating violent activities. PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman confirmed that the deadline for VPN registration has been extended beyond November 30.
Restrictive use of X platform
Discussing the closure of the X platform, Fatima explained, “Approximately two percent of Pakistanis use it. If the intent was to stifle free expression, platforms like Facebook and TikTok would have been shut down.” She attributed X’s restriction to directives from the Ministry of Interior to maintain diplomatic relations.
Plans to overhaul internet infrastructure
Looking ahead, the government plans to revamp the internet infrastructure. Fatima assured efforts to restore optimal speeds and strengthen the telecom sector.
“We are upgrading systems, enhancing tower density, broadening broadband access, and tackling cybersecurity challenges to boost coverage, economic growth, and online safety,” she stated.The government also aims to expand 4G and 5G services nationwide by April 2025, underlining its commitment to protecting and advancing Pakistan’s IT and telecom industry.
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