On August 9, widespread internet outages caused significant disruptions across multiple cities in Pakistan, leaving social media users struggling with connectivity issues. Speculation arose that the outages were linked to a government-installed firewall, though the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) denied these claims. A senior PTA official confirmed that the outages triggered queries, but the cause remains unclear as no official communication has been issued. Major platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp were severely affected, with users facing difficulties in messaging and media uploads.

The disruptions highlighted the critical reliance on digital communication in Pakistan, where millions depend on stable internet for daily tasks and business. An internet service provider (ISP) noted that these disruptions have been ongoing since last week, exacerbating user frustration. The continued issues with platforms like WhatsApp, where users reported significant difficulties in sending or receiving messages, have underscored the need for a swift resolution to restore normalcy in digital communications.

On July 20, WhatsApp users across Pakistan experienced disruptions in sending media files through the app while using mobile data. Despite widespread reports, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and cellular mobile operators (CMOs) claimed to have received no official complaints.

Experts speculate the disruptions might be linked to the suspected installation and testing of a firewall designed to monitor and control internet traffic. Some experts have linked this inaccessibility to the installation of a firewall aimed at curbing the upload of malicious and fake content targeting the government, state, and institutions. However, there has been no official confirmation or explanation from the PTA or the government regarding the disruptions.