VPN galore: Pakistani memers unleash their best after social media services halt

It's been a difficult couple of hours. Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, was arrested by paramilitary officers outside the High Court in Islamabad on Tuesday. Khan was appearing in court on corruption charges that he claims are politically motivated. Reports state that he was detained by forces in armoured personnel carriers after entering the court compound.

As a result, Pakistanis took to the streets to protest. With many social media applications impacted in the aftermath, die-hard internet users took to installing VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, for communication purposes. While the situation remained tense, Pakistanis also did what they do best - make memes. 

Even though it's no joking matter, a little bit of humour during dark times can sometimes help. Here's a round-up of the best memes about having to use VPNs to access routine applications:

We begin our journey with Twitter users stepping into the shoes of their VPNs

my VPN is confused why we are on Twitter

— Sabah Bano Malik (@sabahbanomalik) May 9, 2023

Seriously - a lot of Twitter users were concerned their VPNs would be confused at the change of pace

My vpn watching me use it for twitter https://t.co/eh5ipEpdrF pic.twitter.com/hD06CYhl5P

— Saad (@uravgburger) May 9, 2023

While not a meme, it was interesting of this Twitter user to highlight the irony of the situation

Since Twitter is blocked, is the Islamabad Police also using a VPN to tweet all this..? https://t.co/rP3tDQ3AHJ

— Salaar Khan (@Brainmasalaar) May 9, 2023

Insane times when law minister himself is using vpn to send tweets.. https://t.co/yI72gQbsX2

— 𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒏 (@hi__hassan) May 9, 2023

Some Twitter users were far too direct and did not hold back from divulging sensitive information

My VPN watching me type https://t.co/ihWY4At0qG instead of Mia Malkova pic.twitter.com/bNF5N1Ohnr

— g h a u r a (@ghauraghaura) May 9, 2023

There were also those who poked holes in the overall plan to shut down social media services

i find it impossible that when someone gives the order to block social media, there’s no one in the room to say “but people will just use vpn”

— rants (@rantspakistani) May 9, 2023

Some Twitter users were feeling a bit too brave

sir awam VPN use kar k humy double zaleel kar rahi, ab kia karyn? pic.twitter.com/aSzfTMKq6F

— tea. (@chaii_rusk) May 9, 2023

While others took a great deal of joy in ridiculing the idea of halting services

Govt banning twitter while vpn exists pic.twitter.com/bc57D80FiM

— Sana Rizvi (@TheKharateyKid) May 9, 2023

One Twitter user was very clear about Pakistanis "living here and there" as well

Pakistanis who are using Twitter via VPN pic.twitter.com/QYitjqYTWf

— Mark ZingerBurger🍔 (@FBkaBaap) May 10, 2023

Some folks used viral memes to drive the point home

Vpn users right now: pic.twitter.com/U0vBdECFnN

— Aqsa_🦋 (@kyaaaa_han) May 9, 2023

My location according to vpn pic.twitter.com/S8AZDv5KQf

— Harram (@_harramm) May 9, 2023

Others had interesting revelations

I am identified as a VPN because log zarurat kai waqt istemal karke chor dete hain 😔

— noms (@itssnoms) May 9, 2023

The power of VPNs was truly appreciated to the fullest

Me after changing my VPN location pic.twitter.com/eUSfQuKrIn

— Ralph (@Garribaldie) May 9, 2023

Even if some chose to cling to pipe dreams

VPN to canada connect kardia h nationality Allah dega.

— Bia. (@rantwithbia) May 9, 2023

Some folks also wondered how much money VPN companies were raking in

Super VPN owner rn pic.twitter.com/aUTgpS5fhg

— شاہ بی 🎀 (@shah_bE3) May 10, 2023

Others joked about their ability to lurk from the shadows

Twitter,insta and YouTube is banned in Pakistan
Me with VPN: pic.twitter.com/b4tfHMhH66

— HOOR 🦋 (@hoor_kehti_hai) May 9, 2023

All in all, though, this one user summarised the situation in the best way possible

Everyone asking here k net chl rha hy ?? O baii ethy mulk nhi chlreyaaa

— Hamdah (@Heymemedah) May 9, 2023

As the situation unfolds, all we can do is stay safe and try to chase even the bleakest rays of light in times of darkness.