Social Media is Not Working in Pakistan (here's why)

Recent reports from media outlets and local online communities indicate that social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Threads have been experiencing intermittent disruptions in Pakistan.

Yes, almost every social media platform is not working in Pakistan even if you are using a VPN.

While the exact cause of these outages is not yet confirmed by the government or any trusted news source, they coincide with ongoing political protests and heightened security concerns in the country.

Some speculate that the government might temporarily restrict internet access or specific platforms to maintain stability during these sensitive times by controlling what people can access and shouldn't.

However, official statements from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) responsible for such disruptions are awaited for clarification on the matter.

Govt dismisses internet disruptions as users report nationwide outages again - Dawn

The recent disruptions in social media access across Pakistan have sparked widespread concern and debate among social activists to freelancing associations in the country.

As Pakistan is the 4th largest freelancing country globally, the internet slowdown and social media disruptions are causing freelancers to lose their clients while impacting their business by large margins.

While the exact reasons behind these outages remain unclear until today, several factors are believed to be contributing to the intermittent connectivity issues.

Political Climate and Protests:

I did my best to find the exact reason for internet disruptions and here's what I think is causing these issues:

• Heightened Security Concerns: The ongoing political unrest and protests led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have created a tense atmosphere in Islamabad, Lahore and many other cities. Authorities may be implementing temporary restrictions on internet access or specific social platforms to maintain stability in the country.
• Government's Stance on Social Media: The government has historically shown a complex relationship with social media, often resorting to censorship and restrictions to control the narrative. Recent events have further intensified these concerns.

This was the #1 reason why social media is not working in Pakistan and also a great answer for why the internet is slow in Pakistan. There's more you should know:

Technical Issues:

We can't just blame an authority or government, there can be some technical issues as well. As we know have the great firewall installed, but we may have some issues with it too, or something like:

• Network Congestion: Increased internet usage, especially during peak hours and major events like a protest or something like that, can lead to network congestion, resulting in slower speeds and intermittent connectivity.
• Infrastructure Challenges: Pakistan's telecommunications infrastructure, while improving, still faces challenges, particularly in remote areas. This can contribute to connectivity issues, especially during times of high demand.

I know this is not a strong point to believe in, but it is a point, and here's more:

International geopolitical tensions and cyberattacks can impact internet connectivity on a global scale, potentially affecting Pakistan as well.

However, whatever the real reason is the impact on citizens is severe and they are calling for a solution.

The disruptions in social media access have had a significant impact on Pakistani citizens, affecting various aspects of their lives:

1. Communication: Limited access to platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook hinders communication among friends, family, and businesses.
2. Information Access: Social media is a primary source of news and information for many Pakistanis. Restricted access can limit their ability to stay informed about current events.
3. Economic Activity: Businesses, especially those reliant on social media for marketing and e-commerce like freelancers to social media stars, face challenges due to intermittent connectivity.
4. Freedom of Expression: The restrictions on social media raise concerns about freedom of expression and the right to access information.

While the exact reasons behind the social media disruptions are still under investigation, it is clear that they have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan's citizens and society as a whole.

As the situation worsens, the government must ensure open and unrestricted access to the Internet while addressing legitimate security concerns.