Slow Mobile Internet Disrupts WhatsApp Service as PTA Remains Silent
Mobile internet users across Islamabad and several major cities in Pakistan faced significant disruptions on Thursday, with slow connectivity affecting daily communication and online activities. The issue left thousands struggling to stay connected, sparking frustration on social media.
The disruption was particularly noticeable on WhatsApp, where users experienced repeated call drops during audio and video conversations. File sharing also slowed considerably, with images, videos, and documents taking unusually long to send. For many who rely on the platform for work communication, the outage created serious inconvenience.
Reports indicated that the problem was not limited to one city. Users from Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and other urban centers also shared their experiences of sluggish mobile data. Regular browsing and streaming services were interrupted, but communication apps, especially WhatsApp, were the most affected.
Despite widespread complaints, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has not issued an official explanation for the slowdown. The absence of a statement has left users uncertain about whether the issue stemmed from technical problems, network maintenance, or policy-related restrictions.
In response to speculation, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) clarified that its systems were fully operational. A spokesperson confirmed that the company’s local network and submarine cables were functioning without interruption, distancing PTCL from the service disruptions reported by mobile data users.
Such interruptions highlight the country’s ongoing struggles with digital infrastructure and reliability. Mobile internet remains a primary source of connectivity for millions of Pakistanis, making even short-term disruptions highly disruptive to both personal and professional communication.
Until PTA provides clarity, users continue to face uncertainty over the stability of their internet services. For now, WhatsApp users are left hoping the disruption is temporary and that normal connectivity will be restored soon.
