ISLAMABAD: Internet speeds in Pakistan have started to improve gradually, weeks after a significant slowdown. The government has attributed the issue to excessive VPN usage rather than acknowledging any infrastructural problems.
Since Monday, August 19 internet speeds have been steadily recovering, providing some relief to users, businesses, and freelancers across the country.
Despite the improvements, the true cause of the slowdown remains controversial. Activists suspect that the government might be constructing a firewall similar to those in autocratic regimes to exert greater control over online spaces.
The government, however, has dismissed these claims, instead blaming the strain caused by widespread VPN usage for the slowdowns.
Such disruptions are often used to suppress dissent during protests. Last year, the government restricted social media platforms and deliberately slowed down internet speeds as political tensions extended into the digital arena.
Since February, the social media platform X has been blocked due to national security concerns related to the elections.
