Internet services in Pakistan have shown some improvement in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, but the situation remains challenging in other parts of the country, including Lahore, where users continue to experience sluggish internet speeds.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has yet to provide an explanation for the ongoing disruptions, leaving millions of users frustrated and in the dark. The regulator appears to have no clear understanding of why the issues persist, further compounding public dissatisfaction.

Students and Freelancers Hit Hard
The disruptions have severely impacted students and freelancers, who are struggling to meet academic deadlines and fulfill work commitments. Many have expressed frustration over the lack of communication and support from the authorities.

Meta-owned platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, remain particularly slow in several cities. Users have reported difficulties in uploading and downloading photos, videos, and voice notes, further hampering their ability to communicate effectively.

VPNs Also Affected
Virtual private networks (VPNs), often used to bypass restrictions or ensure secure communication, are also not functioning normally. Many users have pointed to the PTA’s recent implementation of its new firewall system as a potential cause of the disruptions. However, the PTA has neither confirmed this nor provided any clarity on the matter.

Lingering Effects of Internet Blockade
The current issues follow a three-day internet shutdown imposed by the government last week to curtail peaceful protests. Although the protests ended late Tuesday night, internet services have yet to return to normal, even a week later.

The lack of transparency and communication from the PTA has fueled public frustration, with many calling for immediate action to resolve the issue and restore internet services across the country.