Internet users across Pakistan have reported a significant slowdown in the performance of WhatsApp and Instagram over the past several days.
The issue, which has sparked widespread concern among users, appears to be connected to ongoing trials of an Internet security network system known as a 'firewall.' These trials have reportedly led to a general slowdown in Internet speeds across the country.
On August 10, users from major cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Faisalabad, took to social media to express their frustrations. Many complained that the services of WhatsApp and Instagram had become sluggish, with messages not being sent or received properly.
Despite the growing number of complaints, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has yet to issue an official statement addressing the slowdown in these applications or the broader Internet services in the country.
Data from DownDetector, a platform that monitors Internet service disruptions, confirms that users from various parts of the country have experienced a decline in the performance of WhatsApp and Instagram. While some users reported complete service outages, the majority complained of significant delays in message delivery and reception.
The situation has left many users frustrated, particularly given the importance of these platforms for communication and business in the digital age. As of now, there is no official word on when normal service will be restored or if the firewall trials are the definitive cause of the slowdown.
