VPN usage in Pakistan jumps 2380% during internet shutdown

As internet restrictions have tightened in recent days, VPN use has increased once again in Pakistan.

Demand for VPNs climbed 330% after November 24, with Proton VPN reporting a 2860% rise in sign-ups on Tuesday alone. 

The surge follows a WhatsApp ban last weekend and restrictions on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced a November 30 deadline for businesses and freelancers to register VPN services, with unregistered VPNs facing potential disruptions. 

The government is debating whether to block commercial VPN use entirely, citing concerns over misuse outside approved purposes like education and IT services.

Controversy arose on November 15 when a religious spokesperson called VPN use un-Islamic, later attributing the statement to a typo. 

However, the Ministry of Interior supported the stance, claiming terrorists use VPNs for illegal activities.

As restrictions tighten, many Pakistanis rely on VPNs to bypass bans and access essential platforms, but looming government policies may limit their availability further.