Islamabad, November 18, 2024 – Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeezur Rehman has emphasized the necessity of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for the common man, particularly freelancers and businesses, amidst the looming ban on private gateways.
His comments came as the PTA extended the deadline for VPN registration to November 30, citing rising concerns over unauthorized VPN use.
The PTA, tasked with regulating Pakistan’s telecommunications sector, aims to curb the misuse of unregistered VPNs for bypassing internet restrictions and accessing prohibited content. Addressing the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, the PTA chief outlined the measures being taken to regulate VPN usage while ensuring essential access for legitimate users.
VPNs Essential for Industry Operations
Acknowledging the critical role of VPNs in the IT and freelancing sectors, the PTA chairman stated, “Freelancers and companies require VPNs, and the industry cannot function without them.” He reassured stakeholders that registered VPNs would not disrupt internet access and highlighted that internet shutdowns have a detrimental impact on industries.
The PTA implemented the VPN registration policy in 2016, but recent developments have necessitated renewed efforts to enforce compliance. A public awareness campaign was launched to encourage users to register their VPNs to avoid inconvenience. So far, 25,000 VPNs have been registered, and the PTA has taken action against over 0.5 million obscene websites as part of its broader regulatory framework.
Crackdown on Unregistered VPNs
From December 1, the PTA will commence a nationwide crackdown on unregistered VPNs. According to sources, successful trials of VPN blocking have already been conducted, with another trial planned to ensure readiness for full-scale enforcement. The surge in VPN usage was observed earlier this year following the government’s ban on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), citing national security concerns.
How to Register a VPN
The PTA has streamlined the VPN registration process, making it accessible to entities such as software houses, call centers, banks, embassies, and freelancers through its official website (www.pta.gov.pk).
• Registration Requirements:
Applicants must provide basic details, including CNIC, company registration documents, taxpayer status, and IP addresses for VPN connectivity. Freelancers must submit evidence of their project or company association.
• Timeline and Costs:
The registration process is free, and approvals are typically granted within 8-10 hours of submission.
To date, more than 20,000 companies and freelancers have successfully registered their VPNs, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential tools for their operations.
Rising VPN Usage in Pakistan
VPNs are widely used globally for privacy protection and accessing restricted content. Despite government efforts to curb misuse, reports indicate Pakistanis make up to 20 million daily attempts to access blocked content via unregistered VPNs.
The PTA’s initiative aims to strike a balance between preventing misuse and safeguarding legitimate users, promoting secure and regulated internet access as Pakistan’s digital landscape evolves.
