Freelancers suffer losses due to internet disruption in Pakistan

Meta platforms, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google services experienced disruptions in Pakistan after 12pm on Thursday, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com.

The network interruption comes as the country is experiencing intermittent internet outages on cellular devices amid reports of a firewall being installed by the government over security concerns about social media monitoring.

Freelancers and internet service providers have blamed the government for causing connectivity disruptions. These disruptions are leading to losses in the digital economy and impacting online businesses.

Several freelancers took to social media to complain about losing clients due to slow communication and their inability to meet deadlines.

Social media users reported being unable to send voice notes or download videos and pictures on WhatsApp.

The government and IT ministry have not provided any explanation for the internet outages and have denied claims that firewalls are responsible for the disruptions.

Microblogging platform X has been banned in Pakistan since February after the government raised concerns over the dissemination of negative propaganda against institutions.

Human rights groups have also expressed concerns over the internet disruptions, fearing that the government may be attempting to suppress dissent.