Users across various regions of Pakistan experienced an internet slowdown on Saturday, primarily due to system overloads.
A senior executive from a cellular mobile operator explained that the country is currently facing bandwidth limitations due to upgrading the Web Management System, also known as an ‘internet firewall’. The upgrade aims to accommodate up to 9 terabytes of internet traffic.
As supporters of the PTI political party approached Islamabad around noon on Saturday, disruptions in internet and social media services were reported across many parts of the country. Netblocks confirmed that WhatsApp services were disrupted in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore within the last 24 hours.
Since Friday morning, the suspension of cellular and mobile data services in the twin cities has disrupted essential services, including online banking, ride-hailing, and food delivery services. A senior official from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) mentioned that although the Punjab government had requested the suspension of cellular services in major cities of the province, the request was denied.
The official elaborated that cellular services were suspended in Rawalpindi district and Islamabad urban areas following serious concerns about security threats identified by security agencies. He clarified that the PTA only suspends services upon requests from security agencies and does not have the authority to inquire about the details or nature of the security threats. The official added that the request from the Punjab government was rejected due to the absence of similar threats in any city of Punjab.
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