WhatsApp does not have a built-in feature that allows you to hide or disable the display pictures of specific contacts while still having them on your WhatsApp. Display pictures (also known as profile pictures) are visible to all WhatsApp users by default.
However, you can hide display pictures for all contacts by adjusting your privacy settings. Here's how to do it:
Open WhatsApp and go to "Settings" (usually represented by three vertical dots in the top right corner).
Select "Account" from the list of options.
Choose "Privacy."
Under the "Privacy" settings, look for "Profile photo."
You will likely have three options to choose from: "Everyone," "My contacts," and "Nobody."
Select "Nobody" to hide your own display picture from all WhatsApp users.
Please note that selecting "Nobody" will also hide your display picture from the contacts who have your number in their phonebook.
As of now, WhatsApp does not provide an option to hide display pictures for specific contacts while showing them for others. The privacy settings are applied globally to all contacts.
Keep in mind that app features and settings might change with updates, so it's a good idea to check WhatsApp's official support documentation or the app's settings periodically for any changes to privacy options.