ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced on Friday that internet services had been restored across the country, following the suspension of services for the past three days.
The decision to suspend internet services was made after violent protests after arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.
According to the reports, the suspension had caused significant financial losses, estimated at Rs820 million, for telecom operators in the country, further worsening the already dire economic situation.
The interior ministry had ordered the suspension on May 9, resulting in public and private installations being attacked in various cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. In addition, access to major social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube was blocked.
The restoration of internet services has brought relief to citizens who were affected by the suspension of services. The PTA spokesperson confirmed that they had received directives from the interior ministry to restore internet services, but no directives were issued regarding the restoration of social media platforms.
Pakistan’s telecom sector has faced significant challenges over the past few years, with the government introducing new regulations and taxes, resulting in a decline in revenue for telecom operators. The suspension of internet services has further highlighted the vulnerability of the telecom sector and its impact on the country’s economy.
The restoration of internet services is expected to provide some respite to the telecom sector and the overall economy. However, the loss of revenue and the damage caused by the violent protests will continue to be felt across the country.
The citizens faced huge trouble due to blockage of the internet services, especially the overseas Pakistanis who were worried about the situation back in the home country as the could not contact their families and loved ones.
