The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has blocked at least 183 mobile applications and 2,369 websites through the web management system (WMS), the sources said on Tuesday.

The WMS monitors the content within the “defined limits”, they said and added that the non-compliant websites were being blocked through the system.

This comes amid complaints about the internet connectivity. Social media platforms have been particularly impacted, with users experiencing difficulties even downloading audio messages. While internet service providers have attributed the problem to social media issues, mobile companies deny any involvement.

According to media reports, internet service issues may persist until August 30.

Earlier this month, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja told reporters that the government was upgrading its web management system to cope with cyber security threats.

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When asked about the ’firewall at the press conference, she said the issue had been “blown out of proportion. The government has been operating a web-management system. The system is now being upgraded.”

She also called the process “a routine exercise” across the globe to enhance internet security. “It is the right of the government to take measures to protect its interests given the cyber security attacks that Pakistan is facing.”