Popular social media platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter), are experiencing significant disturbances in Pakistan.
Users nationwide report difficulties accessing these platforms, leading to widespread inconvenience and frustration.
Despite the growing number of complaints, Facebook’s parent company, Meta, and internet monitoring service, NetBlock, have yet to confirm any accessibility issues affecting the platform in Pakistan. This silence has left many users puzzled and searching for answers.
Speculation is rife among users regarding a potential government ban on Facebook, especially in light of recent proposals to restrict social media access during the religious observance of Muharram.
On July 4, the Punjab government submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Interior, suggesting a shutdown of key social media platforms, including YouTube and Facebook, from the 6th to the 11th of Muharram for security reasons. However, the government ultimately decided against this social media blackout.
X users encountering problems are met with a message stating, “Some privacy-related extensions may cause issues on x.com. Please disable them and try again.” This has led to confusion and concern, as users struggle to identify the problematic extensions or resolve the issue. Facebook users, on the other hand, face a different challenge: the platform is persistently denying posts, preventing content sharing and disrupting communication and engagement.
The disturbances are not limited to Facebook and X. Reports indicate that other social media platforms, including Instagram, Threads, and YouTube, are also affected. Users are experiencing slow loading times and, in some cases, complete inaccessibility. This widespread disruption suggests a broader problem, potentially linked to regional internet infrastructure or regulatory measures.
The impact of these disruptions is substantial. Social media platforms are vital for daily communication, business operations, and information dissemination. The inability to access these platforms is disrupting personal communication, business marketing, and news sharing.
Authorities and internet service providers have yet to release an official statement explaining the cause of these disruptions. Speculation includes recent regulatory changes or technical upgrades, while others believe the issues might be related to broader internet service problems within the country.
As users continue to face these challenges, there is growing demand for a resolution. Many are calling on authorities to address the issue swiftly and restore access to social media platforms. In the meantime, users are exploring alternative communication methods and expressing their frustrations through available channels.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as authorities investigate the disruptions. Users are advised to stay informed and follow updates from reliable sources to understand the evolving scenario.