Special Report- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has criticized the federal government for limiting internet speed and shutting down VPN services. He stated, “We were not consulted on the VPN shutdown or the slowdown in internet speed. The decision-makers seem unaware of how VPNs work.” Bilawal pointed out that while the government claims to provide 4G internet, the quality is substandard, resembling 3G service.
Internet users across Pakistan, including major cities like Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, are experiencing significant slowdowns in internet speed, causing widespread frustration and disrupting daily activities. Popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have been particularly affected, with many users unable to upload or download photos and videos.
According to reports, the disruptions have forced users to rely on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access social media platforms. However, VPN services are also reportedly down in several areas, compounding the problems faced by freelancers, businessmen, and students.
Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja attributed the disruptions partly to the blocking of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on the instructions of the Ministry of Interior. She clarified that the platform is used by less than 2% of Pakistan’s population, and its closure does not infringe on freedom of expression.
The slow internet speed has also caused severe problems for students scheduled to retake the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT). Candidates have reported difficulty accessing the Sindh Testing Service (STS) website, which has delayed the issuance of admit slips.
Internet disruptions are not unusual in Pakistan; the country has been facing sporadic outages and access hindrances for months now. Last week, internet and mobile services were disrupted in the wake of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad.
The government has also carried out multiple tests of its internet firewall, with the first and second trials conducted in July and August, respectively. On both occasions, the trials slowed down internet speeds and disrupted digital platforms.
Despite the severity of the current slowdown, the exact cause remains unclear. Authorities have yet to provide an official explanation, leaving users in a state of uncertainty.