Pakistan’s telecommunication regulatory authority downplayed on the ongoing issues with WhatsApp services being experienced by cellular users in the country, attributing it to a possible “technical glitch.”
As users faced issues while sending and receiving media files using their mobile networks, PTA downplayed the whole event, calling it a technical glitch.
Also Read: PTA offer Tender for Advanced Firewalls to Manage Internet in Pakistan
On July 20, numerous users in Pakistan reported difficulties in sending and receiving media files, such as voice notes, photos, and videos, on the popular messaging application while using their mobile networks.
Complaints included media files either taking too long to download or not downloading at all, with some users receiving the following message from WhatsApp: “Couldn’t download the document. Try again. If the problem keeps happening, try connecting to Wi-Fi.”
Telcos also acknowledged the issue as a spokesperson revealed reports of WhatsApp disruptions and are investigating to ensure uninterrupted services. Other telecoms also ignored the issue and declined to comment.
As people are looking for an official statement, social media users and digital activists linked the disruption with the installation of a firewall to control internet and communication technologies.
Remember that firewall is being installed to block internet content, especially on social media, and its use to share evidence of state violations.
