Like other parts of the country, Karachi has experienced internet disruptions for the past three days. These disruptions have severely impacted daily activities and caused financial losses for those relying on online services.
Citizens have reported problems with WiFi, mobile data services, and social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Many struggle to send pictures, voice notes, large files, or upload videos.
These outages stem from protests by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters advancing towards Islamabad, exacerbating the situation with barricades and blockages.
Despite its status as a metropolitan city, Karachi’s lack of an accessible transportation system has forced many to depend on online cab services, heightening the disruption’s impact, particularly on students and professionals.
Aqdas Jaffar, an employee commuting daily from Saadi Town to I.I. Chundrigar Road using Bykea, expressed his frustrations: “The internet disruptions have made it almost impossible to find a rider in the morning and evening.”
Neha, a 23-year-old student at Baqai Medical University, faces similar challenges: “Commuting has become such a headache that I sometimes pay three times more than usual for transportation due to the current internet issues.”
Riders like Khuda Baksh, a Yango driver, also struggle, often unable to secure more than a few rides. “Either the map doesn’t work, or the app crashes,” he explained.
The impact extends to small business owners and content creators. Maham Tariq, owner of Mayhem Bakes, noted, “The entire chain is disrupted, significantly affecting my business, which relies heavily on the internet and social media.”
Syed Talal Rizvi, who runs Attitude Apparel, and Zia Tabarak of Street Food PK also highlighted how these disruptions hinder their operations and content delivery, cost them financially and disrupt their schedules.
Veteran journalist Zarrar Khuhro provided an analysis: “This uncertainty is the new normal, but there is nothing normal about it. It’s adding to the reservoir of rage against the authorities, who must realize that economies cannot thrive on uncertainty.”
