Internet and social media services across Pakistan faced major disruptions once again, with Facebook and X becoming inaccessible on several networks, including PTCL, Ufone, Zong, and others, unless accessed through VPNs. Overall, internet speeds also dropped sharply.
Some service providers, such as Nayatel, appeared to be functioning normally, allowing users to access Facebook and X without difficulty. However, PTCL users reported issues even while using basic messaging apps like WhatsApp.
According to Downdetector, hundreds of outage reports have been registered for Facebook in Pakistan, while users on X have also reported similar problems.
The disruption follows a weekend of mobile internet blackouts in Islamabad and Lahore, imposed amid large-scale protests by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
The TLP demonstrations, launched in support of Palestinians, included marches and sit-ins from Lahore to the federal capital.
In response, the government deployed security forces, sealed major roads, and shut down mobile internet services in key cities to prevent the situation from escalating.
Mobile data services, including 3G and 4G, were suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from October 9 on orders from the Ministry of Interior and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The move aimed to restrict large gatherings but also left citizens and businesses struggling with communication and connectivity issues.