PTA extends VPN registration deadline, rules out nationwide ban
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has extended the deadline for VPN registration beyond November 30, ensuring Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) remain accessible for now. While the new deadline has not been announced, the PTA confirmed that unregistered VPNs will not be blocked immediately.
The decision comes after growing calls from the IT industry, freelancers, and other stakeholders to reconsider the registration timeline. Earlier, the Ministry of Interior had pushed for shutting down unregistered VPNs by mid-November, granting a two-week grace period that ended on November 30. However, PTA Chairman Maj Gen (Retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman confirmed the extension, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to cybersecurity and data protection.
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The PTA’s decision aligns with a legal opinion from the Law Ministry, which clarified that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 does not authorize a complete ban on VPNs. The Interior Ministry, which had requested the ban citing security concerns, is expected to withdraw its proposal.
VPNs have seen increased usage in Pakistan, particularly after the February ban on X (formerly Twitter), as users rely on these tools to bypass content restrictions. While the government cited concerns about VPN misuse for illegal activities, the Law Ministry highlighted that PECA allows for blocking specific online content but not the tools used to access it.
The PTA has so far registered over 27,000 VPNs and continues to encourage compliance through a streamlined online registration process. Businesses such as software houses, call centers, banks, and freelancers can register VPNs via the PTA’s website. The process involves submitting basic information, including identification details, company registration, and project verification for freelancers. An Internet Service Provider’s fixed IP address may also be required for VPN connectivity.
The government’s initial push for VPN registration raised concerns within the IT sector, as software houses and freelancers feared disruptions to their operations. Following the announcement of a possible ban, an additional 7,000 VPNs were registered, reflecting widespread anxiety in the industry.
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