Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp have been fully restored and are now functioning normally (for now) after users experienced disruptions in sending multimedia content through these platforms.
Meanwhile, the government has implemented a nationwide block on VPN services, requiring both individuals and companies to register their VPNs with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). However, numerous reports indicate that users are facing significant challenges with the registration process, and even registered VPNs are reportedly not functioning as expected.
This has particularly impacted freelancers and remote workers in Pakistan, who have found themselves unable to send audio messages, images, and videos through social media platforms due to the VPN restrictions.
Remote: IT Companies Face Losses and Closure Risks Amid VPN Blockage and Internet Slowdown
Notably, the popular Cloudflare Warp 1.1.1.1 VPN is currently unable to connect in Pakistan. While there have been isolated reports of users in Lahore successfully establishing connections, they have reported extremely slow speeds, rendering the service almost unusable.
The future of Pakistan’s IT industry appears uncertain amidst ongoing political instability. The country’s youth and educated professionals are increasingly concerned about their ability to access information and work online freely. The initial implementation of a nationwide firewall significantly slowed down internet speeds, and now, the VPN blockade has further exacerbated the situation.
If these restrictions persist, the IT sector’s projected revenue for 2025 could fall well below expectations, potentially causing severe economic repercussions.
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