The Pakistani government is intensifying its digital restrictions by targeting Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), potentially leaving citizens without access to these privacy tools within days.
This latest move comes as authorities continue their broader crackdown on digital communications, particularly affecting supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The government has already implemented various internet restrictions, including blocking social media platforms and messaging services in areas deemed to have "security concerns." According to monitoring service Netblocks, WhatsApp's functionality is currently limited in the country, specifically affecting media sharing capabilities.
These digital restrictions are part of a larger strategy to control communications around political gatherings. Recently, authorities suspended mobile and internet services in key areas, including the capital Islamabad and Rawalpindi, disrupting essential services like banking, ride-sharing, and food delivery.
The targeting of VPNs represents a notable escalation, as these tools have been widely used by Pakistani citizens to bypass existing social media restrictions, including the ban on platform X (formerly Twitter). The government's move could effectively cut off one of the last remaining ways for citizens to access blocked platforms and services.
The timing of these restrictions coincides with planned protests by supporters of Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned for over a year facing multiple criminal charges. His party maintains these charges are politically motivated, while supporters heavily rely on social media and messaging platforms to organize and share information.
Physical restrictions have also been implemented, with authorities placing shipping containers to seal off Islamabad and blocking major roads connecting the capital to PTI strongholds in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
These developments highlight growing concerns about digital rights and freedom of expression in Pakistan, as authorities continue to expand their control over online communications and access to information.