Is VPN banned in Pakistan?
As the Pakistani government increases its surveillance, including crackdowns on the internet and related services, many internet users in Pakistan said on Sunday they were experiencing “restricted access” to virtual private networks (VPNs).
These users also reported poor internet connectivity.
Why are VPNs used?
VPNs are often 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 blacking out VPN usage, aiming to prevent access to the already banned social media platform X.
Justifying 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 denied 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.
