Social media platforms in Pakistan face disruption

Pakistani social media enthusiasts Sunday evening faced disruptions as major platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter) experienced service outages for the past few hours, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.

Internet monitor Netblocks also reported a nationwide disruption in social media platforms today evening amid an “election fundraising telethon” organized by a large political party of the country.

“Live metrics show a nation-scale disruption to social media platforms across Pakistan, including X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube,” the internet tracking agency said.

The disruption comes as the party launches its election fundraising telethon, it said.

The event is set to take place at 9 pm on Sunday.

Outage tracking website Downdetector.pk also showed a significant spike in complaints on multiple social media platforms as well.

Services of YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X saw disruption in services on Sunday evening.

Netizens reported having difficulty accessing social media platforms in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad shortly after 5:30 pm. Users also complained about internet services being slow.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the party called this an “absolutely shameful” move and demanded caretaker IT minister’s resignation for “this continuing damage to Pakistanis.”

Last month, a nationwide disruption in social media platforms was witnessed amid a “virtual power show” organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. 

Reporter: Tayyab Saif