Many internet users in Pakistan reported struggling to access VPNs alongside experiencing generally slow internet on Sunday, with VPNs banned in Pakistan becoming a trending concern. VPNs, widely used worldwide to reach blocked or restricted content, have become essential in Pakistan, especially with the ongoing restrictions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). However, users on X shared that their VPN connections were spotty and sluggish, leaving many questioning the government’s stance on VPN accessibility.
Back in August, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) began curbing VPN access, aiming to limit access to restricted platforms. Government officials, including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, stated that banning X was essential for national security, citing its use by “separatists and terrorists” rather than a restriction on free speech. Although PTA clarified in September that VPNs weren’t being completely blocked, the recent issues make it seem as if VPNs are gradually being restricted, fueling concerns over “VPNs banned in Pakistan.”
Reports on the popular outage tracking website Downdetector revealed problems with VPN services like VPN Unlimited and Tunnelbear. Consistent complaints about connection failures were reported. VPN Unlimited saw its peak number of reports at 6:15 p.m., while Tunnelbear users continued reporting issues into the evening.
Amid the chaos, Pakistani users shared lists of VPN services still operational, hoping to help others maintain their connections. Digital rights activist Farieha Aziz voiced her frustration, noting that even major VPNs like Cloudflare and Orbot weren’t stable, making daily tasks and work nearly impossible. Aziz criticized the PTA’s lack of clarity, saying, “The disruption is affecting everyday life, and we still haven’t received a clear response from officials about why VPNs are being restricted.”
As the debate on VPNs being banned in Pakistan grows, users are left waiting for the PTA to address these concerns directly.
. However, users on X shared that their VPN connections were spotty and sluggish, leaving many questioning the government’s stance on VPN accessibility.){kind=link}