PTA Extends Deadline for VPN Registration, Rules Out Immediate Suspension
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided not to block Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as the deadline for mandatory registration, which lapsed at midnight on November 30, has been extended. However, no new date for compliance has been announced, according to a report by The News.
Initially, the Ministry of Interior had planned to begin suspending all unregistered VPNs by mid-November. This deadline was later extended with a two-week grace period, allowing users to meet the registration requirements. As the extended deadline ended on November 30, PTA refrained from releasing an official statement but confirmed through Chairman Maj Gen (Retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman that VPNs will not be blocked for now due to the extension granted by the government.
VPNs and National Security
VPNs, commonly used worldwide to bypass content restrictions, gained widespread adoption in Pakistan after the government banned the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) earlier this year, citing national security concerns. Since then, the use of VPNs has surged, especially among freelancers, IT professionals, and organizations reliant on unrestricted internet access.
The PTA has stressed the importance of registering VPNs to enhance cybersecurity, protect national data, and ensure compliance with government policies. According to official data, more than 27,000 VPNs have been registered so far.
Industry Concerns and Simplified Registration
Freelancers, the IT industry, and other stakeholders have consistently called for flexibility in VPN registration requirements, citing the critical role VPNs play in enabling remote work and accessing international platforms.
Earlier this month, the PTA announced a streamlined VPN registration process to address these concerns. Entities such as software houses, call centers, banks, embassies, and freelancers can now register their VPNs online through the PTA’s official website.
How to Register
To register a VPN, applicants must fill out an online form and provide basic documentation, including:
- A valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)
- Company registration details
- Taxpayer status
- For freelancers, a letter or email verifying project or company association
Applicants must also submit their VPN’s IP address. For those requiring a fixed IP, it can be acquired through their Internet Service Provider (ISP). Members of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) are also eligible for this simplified process.
The PTA has reiterated its commitment to balancing national security with the needs of stakeholders, ensuring that both cybersecurity and economic activity are safeguarded. For now, VPN users can continue using their services without disruption, pending further announcements.
