PTA Denies Reports of VPN Ban, Encourages Registration
On September 10, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) responded to circulating media reports about an alleged VPN ban in Pakistan. Refuting these claims, the PTA clarified that it is not blocking VPN services but is instead encouraging IT companies, software houses, freelancers, and banks to register their IPs for VPN use. This measure aims to prevent disruptions in internet services for these entities, ensuring they remain unaffected by any potential issues.
Simplified VPN Registration Process Already Registers Thousands
To streamline the process, PTA has introduced a “one window operation” for VPN registration, available on both the PTA and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) websites. The process, which takes two to three days and is free of charge, is part of a broader initiative to regulate VPN usage while securing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. To date, PTA has successfully registered over 20,437 Virtual Private Networks, demonstrating its commitment to compliance with national regulations and safeguarding cybersecurity.
