VPN Access Restricted in Pakistan Amid Widespread Internet Slowdown?

ISLAMABAD: Reports of restricted access to virtual private networks (VPNs) and sluggish internet connectivity have emerged across Pakistan, raising concerns over digital rights and accessibility. Affected users took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their experiences, claiming VPN services like VPN Unlimited, Cloudfare and Tunnelbear have slowed significantly or become difficult to access altogether.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has previously taken measures to curb VPN usage, citing national security concerns tied to the restricted social media platform X, which was banned in August. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had clarified in September that the platform was banned not to stifle freedom of expression, but rather to prevent separatists and extremists from using it against Pakistan. PTA followed up by dispelling rumors of a full VPN block, yet recent user experiences paint a different picture, with reports of VPN issues rising over the weekend.

According to the outage monitoring website Downdetector, numerous complaints have been filed against VPN services, with users noting connectivity issues on platforms like VPN Unlimited and Tunnelbear as late as Sunday evening. Meanwhile, some internet users have responded by sharing lists of VPNs that remain functional in Pakistan.

Techjuice team experienced varying degrees of difficulty connecting to VPN services, while several X users continued reporting intermittent VPN outages. Digital expert Usman Ali while talking to Techjuice shared concerns, emphasizing the lack of clarity from authorities. “I’ve checked myself and with people, and they confirmed experiencing multiple errors with their VPN services and slow internet,” he said, adding that the restrictions would likely impact Pakistan’s financial and tech sectors, especially the IT export and freelancing industry.

These new challenges come as Pakistan implements stricter digital controls amid growing concerns over cybersecurity and online surveillance. With VPNs a critical tool for businesses and individuals, the restrictions and unclear communication from authorities raise pressing questions about the already struggling IT and gig economy of Pakistan.