Pakistan Blames VPNs for Slow Internet Amid Firewall Rumors

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Pakistan has been grappling with significantly slow internet speeds for weeks, sparking debate over the cause of the connectivity issues. As rumors circulate about a potential state-imposed internet firewall, officials have shifted the blame to the widespread use of virtual private networks (VPNs), claiming these secure connections are overloading the network.

The slowdown follows recent unrest and heightened government scrutiny of online spaces. Activists have raised concerns that the government might be building a firewall similar to China’s to tighten control over digital communications. This speculation has been fueled by the government’s previous actions, such as blocking social media platforms and throttling internet speeds following riots related to former Prime Minister Imran Khan last year. The micro-blogging platform X, popular among Khan’s supporters, has been blocked since February due to “national security” concerns.

Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima has vehemently denied these allegations. On Sunday, she stated that the recent slowdown was not due to state action but rather a result of a significant increase in VPN usage. Fatima claimed that the high volume of VPN traffic has strained the network, leading to slower speeds. She emphasized that her team has been working with internet service providers to address the issue and that accusations of a government-imposed firewall are “completely false.”

Despite Fatima’s assurances, activists and tech watchdogs continue to express doubts. Shahzad Ahmad, director of the digital watchdog Bytes for All, has claimed that there is substantial evidence supporting the existence of a firewall. Ahmad suggested that the firewall’s purpose is to monitor online traffic and restrict political expression. Farieha Aziz, co-founder of Bolo Bhi, a non-profit advocating for online free speech, added that the situation impacts not only civil liberties but also the livelihood and economic prospects of Pakistan.

The Pakistan Software Houses Association has warned that the slow internet is causing significant disruptions to business operations, potentially costing the IT sector up to $300 million. They have described the situation as a “direct, tangible and aggressive assault on the industry’s viability,” warning of a possible mass exodus of IT companies if the problem persists.

In response to the ongoing issues, activists have petitioned the Islamabad High Court to recognize access to the internet as a fundamental right under Pakistan’s constitution. The petition underscores the critical role of reliable internet access in both civil rights and economic stability.

As the debate continues, the future of Pakistan’s internet freedom and its impact on the country’s digital economy remains uncertain.