Pakistani users can once again access X without VPN

Pakistani users are finally able to once again access X (formerly Twitter) without using virtual private networks (VPNs).

This development was confirmed by a representative of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) during a Sindh High Court (SHC) hearing.

The PTA counsel said a letter seeking ban on X had been withdrawn following which the court sought the regulatory body’s stance on the matter.

As it stands, it is currently unclear whether access to X has been permanently restored or whether it will be banned again. The court adjourned the hearing of other petitions regarding X’s closure for two weeks.

The court hearing comes weeks after the PTA  provided an update on the countrywide internet slowdown.

In a statement, the telecommunication authority noted that internet services across the country were expected to remain slow till “early October” and that the submarine cable responsible for the disruptions would likely be repaired by then.

“The ongoing internet slowdown across the country is mainly due to [a] fault in two (SMW4, AAE-1) of the seven international submarine cables connecting Pakistan internationally, PTA said in its statement.

“It is updated that [the] fault in SMW-4 submarine cable is likely to be repaired by early October 2024. Submarine cable AAE-1 has been repaired which may improve internet experience,” it added.