Internet Services Disrupted: Downdetector Reports Outages in Some Parts of Pakistan

Downdetector is a platform that monitors service outages by aggregating reports from various sources. Internet users experienced disruptions in the services of three major internet service providers: PTCL, Transworld Home, and Nayatel. These issues were reported shortly after noon, indicating potential widespread connectivity issues affecting users reliant on these providers.

Users of PTCL reported service disruptions primarily from Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Similarly, Transworld Home users experienced issues mainly in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. On the other hand, Nayatel users reported problems primarily from Rawalpindi, Lahore, and areas near Okara. These reports suggest a widespread impact across different regions serviced by these providers, indicating a potentially significant outage affecting multiple locations.

Transworld Home informed its customers via email about an “unexpected nationwide outage” affecting internet services in Pakistan. The email stated that their team was investigating the issue and would restore services completely once the outage was resolved. The company also apologized for the disruption caused by the outage.

The disruption today coincides with ongoing issues concerning access to the social media platform X in the country. Since February 17, access to the platform has been significantly disrupted following statements made by former commissioner Rawalpindi Liaquat Ali Chatta alleging election rigging.

During the general elections, the interim government at the time decided to suspend mobile phone and data services across the country. This action was taken despite previous assurances from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) that internet access would remain uninterrupted during the election period.

In January, social media platforms experienced disruptions during online events organized by the PTI. The caretaker government at that time attributed these internet outages to “technical” issues and system installations. They stated that there was “no guarantee” that similar incidents would not happen in the future.