Internet users in Pakistan 'experiencing restricted access to VPNs'

As Pakistani authorities continue crackdown on the internet and the related services, many internet users in Pakistan said on Sunday they were experiencing “restricted access” to virtual private networks (VPNs). These users also complained about poor internet connectivity.

VPNs are widely used around the world to access content that may be inaccessible or blocked for internet users in their home country. In the case of Pakistanis, VPNs are used to access X, among other restricted websites .

In August, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was clamping down on VPN usage, aiming to prevent access to the already banned social media platform X.

Defending the ban, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in September that X had been banned due to national security issues, not to curb freedom of expression. He said that “separatists and terrorists” were using the platform against Pakistan, which could not be allowed.

In the same month, the PTA dispelled rumours and clarified that VPNs in the country were not being blocked.However, multiple X users in Pakistan took to the platform on Sunday and said that VPNs were being slowed down and access was being restricted.