Reports have surfaced indicating nationwide restrictions and throttling of VPN access in Pakistan, with several internet users facing difficulties accessing virtual private networks (VPNs) on Sunday. This has also resulted in slower internet connectivity for many.
VPNs, commonly used globally to bypass geographic restrictions and access otherwise blocked content, are particularly important for Pakistani users trying to access platforms like X, among others.
Earlier in August, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had started intensifying efforts to control VPN usage, especially to prevent access to the already banned social media platform X. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar clarified in September that X was banned for national security concerns, not to suppress freedom of speech, citing its use by separatists and terrorists to incite harm against the country.
Despite the PTA’s earlier statement in September that VPNs were not being blocked, many users on X reported on Sunday that they were facing significant restrictions and slower speeds when attempting to use VPNs.
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