Internet services have now been fully restored across Pakistan, following the conclusion of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad. However, despite this restoration, many users continue to face challenges when accessing popular social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram without the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Reports indicate that the issues affecting these platforms include problems with uploading and downloading photos and videos, as well as difficulties in sharing audio or video files, particularly on WhatsApp. While mobile internet services have been re-established, the issues with social media apps remain unresolved for a large number of users.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed that mobile data services have been fully restored. However, the PTA did not provide any comments regarding the ongoing partial disruption of social media platforms. This partial disruption has made it difficult for many people to use social media normally, forcing them to rely on VPNs to access these platforms.
On November 23, the government had temporarily suspended internet services in major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Gujranwala, beginning at midnight. While mobile phone services continued to operate, internet and broadband services were specifically suspended in these regions as a security measure ahead of the PTI protest scheduled for the following day, November 24.
The Interior Ministry had issued orders to the PTA to shut down internet and mobile services in areas deemed to have security concerns. The ministry explained that these shutdowns would be assessed based on the evolving situation. In areas unaffected by security concerns, internet and mobile services continued as usual, without disruption.
Later in the week, on Tuesday night, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that normalcy was returning to the country. He announced that schools would reopen on Thursday, roads would be cleared, and Metro bus services would resume operations soon. Furthermore, internet services, which had been interrupted in certain regions, would be restored by Wednesday morning.
This ongoing situation highlights the challenges faced by internet users during times of political unrest. Though the general mobile services have been restored, access to social media remains a major hurdle for many, making it difficult for people to fully connect online.
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