In Pakistan, users of WhatsApp and other social media applications report service disruptions, particularly in downloading multimedia content such as audio and video messages and pictures.
Many encounter an error message stating, “Couldn’t download the document. Try again. If the problem keeps happening, try connecting to Wi-Fi.”
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has acknowledged the issue but described it as a minor inconvenience likely caused by a technical glitch rather than a systemic problem.
This disruption impacts a considerable segment of the population, as Pakistan boasts around 52.3 million WhatsApp users, according to the 2024 World Population Review. The reliability of digital communications is critical in Pakistan, where social media platforms play a pivotal role in both personal and professional spheres.
Moreover, this isn’t the first connectivity issue faced by internet users in the region this year. A significant disruption occurred in April when a key fibre optic cable connecting Singapore to Pakistan and Europe sustained damage near Indonesia. This incident notably affected internet access across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, highlighting the vulnerability of global digital communications infrastructure.
