On Sunday, numerous internet users across Pakistan experienced restricted access to virtual private networks (VPNs) and reported poor internet connectivity, raising concerns about connectivity challenges in the country.
VPN Outage Reports Surge, Downdetector Data Shows
Outage-tracking website Downdetector received a notable influx of reports regarding VPN connectivity issues, particularly with VPN providers VPN Unlimited and Tunnelbear. Data from Downdetector recorded a peak of 10 outage reports from VPN Unlimited users by 6:15 pm, with Tunnelbear users continuing to experience problems until 7:29 pm.
Last month, PTA plans to block unregistered VPNs in Pakistan, which created chaos in the digital world.
Also Read: PTA Plans to Block Unregistered VPNs in Pakistan
Social Media Responds with VPN Alternatives
In response to the disruptions, users on X (formerly Twitter) turned to the platform to share operational VPN services. Many vented frustrations about sluggish VPN speeds and restricted access, with some alleging that VPNs had become entirely inaccessible.
Pakistan’s Restriction on VPNs
VPNs have become essential for many Pakistani users to access X and other restricted platforms. In August, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) intensified its efforts to restrict VPN use, aiming to curb access to X, which has been banned in the country.
Also Read: Shaza Fatima Affirms No Government Affiliation With Internet Slowdown, But Excessive Use Of VPN
According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the restriction was enforced for national security reasons, as the government cited the platform’s alleged use by “separatists and terrorists.” Tarar clarified that the restriction was not intended to suppress freedom of expression.
VPN Accessibility Persists Despite PTA’s Denial
Despite the PTA’s denial of any intentional VPN blocking in September, reports of restricted access to VPN services have continued to surface.
In September, a technical analysis conducted by digital rights group Bytes For All (B4A) showed that internet users accessing the web through VPNs in Pakistan generally experienced improved download speeds and minimal service disruptions.
B4A’s recent report, which examined network performance across multiple internet service providers (ISPs) in Pakistan, highlighted “significant” differences in performance between VPN and non-VPN connections. “This improvement is reflected in higher download speeds and lower retransmission rates,” the report noted.
The Broader Impact of VPN Restrictions
As restrictions persist, many internet users and digital rights advocates in Pakistan express growing concern over the broader impact on online accessibility. Given VPNs’ ongoing importance for accessing global information and secure connections, many users feel the effects of restricted VPN services on their ability to stay connected and informed.
These developments bring renewed attention to VPNs’ role in internet freedom and the challenges facing those who rely on them in increasingly restrictive digital environments.
