On October 13, internet and social media platforms across Pakistan experienced widespread disruptions, with major services such as Facebook and X becoming inaccessible on several networks, including PTCL, Ufone, and Zong. Users also reported a significant slowdown in internet speeds, while some service providers, such as Nayatel, appeared to remain unaffected.
Many PTCL users said that even basic messaging applications like WhatsApp were facing interruptions. According to the global outage tracker Downdetector, hundreds of users across Pakistan reported difficulties accessing Facebook, while similar complaints were shared by users of X regarding connectivity issues.
The nationwide disruption followed a weekend of partial communication blackouts in Islamabad and Lahore, where mobile internet services were suspended amid large-scale protests organized by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
The demonstrations, which began in Lahore, involved calls for marches toward Islamabad in solidarity with Palestinians. The government responded with heightened security measures, including troop deployment, road closures, and suspension of mobile internet in key areas to maintain public order.
Mobile data services, including 3G and 4G, were officially suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from October 9 under directives issued by the Ministry of Interior and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The move, intended to restrict large gatherings and mobilization, left many citizens and businesses disconnected for several days.
