WhatsApp Shifts Servers Overseas: reports | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

WhatsApp Shifts Servers Overseas: reports

Persistent internet slowdowns in Pakistan have compelled WhatsApp, one of the world’s widely used messaging platforms, to relocate its servers outside the country, ARY News reported.

According to the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), WhatsApp’s decision to shift its Content Delivery Network (CDN) abroad caused connectivity challenges for users.

The country faced recurring internet disruptions in the past year. Data from Top10VPN reveals that in 2024, Pakistan experienced 1,861 hours of internet shutdowns—ranking second globally after Myanmar. These shutdowns affected approximately 83 million users and resulted in an estimated economic loss of $351 million. This marks a dramatic 619% increase compared to 2023, when disruptions lasted 259 hours, elevating Pakistan from seventh to second place globally for internet disruptions.

The Pakistan Press Foundation’s Annual Report for 2024 also underscores the alarming state of digital connectivity. The report documents at least 19 instances of disruptions to internet access, social media platforms, and mobile services during the year. These interruptions have significantly impacted digital communication and access to information across the country.

On January 1, the PTA Chairman, Major General (Retd) Hafeezur Rehman, acknowledged insufficient fiber optic infrastructure as a major factor contributing to slow internet speeds. He emphasized that without significant improvements to the network, these challenges are likely to persist, further hindering Pakistan’s digital growth and connectivity.


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