Web Desk
The regulatory body described the problem as a minor technical glitch and downplayed the incident.
In a statement, the PTA acknowledged that it had received numerous complaints about difficulties sending and receiving media files on WhatsApp, in addition to reports of slow or failed downloads.
Despite these admissions, the PTA’s response indicated that the problem was not widespread and of great concern.
Contrary to PTA’s stance, Downdetector, a renowned monitoring platform, has seen an increase in reports of WhatsApp outages in Pakistan.
Thousands of users have reported the breach, suggesting a larger problem than the PTA suggested.
The telecommunications companies (telcos) have also become aware of the problem, with a spokesperson confirming an ongoing investigation to restore uninterrupted services.
However, several other telcos declined to comment on the matter, leaving users searching for concrete answers.
Amid the confusion, social media users and digital rights activists speculated that the breach could be related to the installation of a firewall designed to control internet and communications technology.
There have been allegations that the firewall is being deployed to block certain internet content, particularly on social networks, which are often used to share evidence of abuses of state power.
Web Desk
Adnan Arif
