On November 10, numerous internet users across Pakistan reported restricted access to virtual private networks (VPNs) and poor internet connectivity.
Outage tracking website Downdetector registered a surge in complaints from users encountering difficulties connecting to popular VPN services, particularly VPN Unlimited and Tunnelbear. Reports indicated that VPN Unlimited experienced a peak of 10 outage incidents by 6:15 pm, while Tunnelbear users continued highlighting disruptions until 7:29 pm.
As connectivity issues persisted, social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) saw a flurry of posts from users sharing alternative VPN options that were still functional. Many expressed frustration over sluggish VPN speeds and restricted access, with some alleging that VPN services had become entirely blocked.
VPNs have become necessary for internet users in Pakistan, especially for accessing restricted platforms such as X. In September, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the ban on X, citing national security concerns and alleging that the platform was used by “separatists and terrorists.”
In August, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that it had registered 20,437 Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as part of an ongoing initiative to regulate VPN usage within the country.
