PTA shares update on WhatsApp disruptions across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is experiencing disruptions in WhatsApp services, with users reporting difficulties in sending and receiving media files since July 20.

According to reports, users are facing delays or failures in downloading media files, including voice notes, photos, and videos, on mobile networks.

Downdetector, a global platform monitoring website and application issues, has received continuous reports of WhatsApp outages in Pakistan over the past 24 hours.

Telecom operators have confirmed the issue but denied any problems from their end.

However, Malahat Obaid, spokesperson for the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), denied the disruptions, attributing them to a “technical glitch” without elaborating on the cause.

Meanwhile, digital rights advocates, such as Usama Khilji from Bolo Bhi, suspect that the WhatsApp disruptions might be linked to the installation of a government firewall aimed at exerting greater control over the internet and communication technologies.

The PTA and telecommunications companies are investigating the issue to ensure uninterrupted services for users.

According to the World Population Review, there are 52.3 million WhatsApp users in Pakistan.