PTA Provides Additional Time for VPN Registration

The government has approved a new registration period for virtual private networks (VPNs). However, a new date for the VPN suspension has yet to be set.

After initially announcing that all unregistered VPNs would be shut down by the middle of November, the Ministry of the Interior later issued a two-week “grace period” to give unregistered VPNs time to comply with registration criteria.

The PTA opted not to make an official statement on the VPN issue since the deadline passed last night. However, Chairman Maj Gen (Retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman confirmed to some media outlets that the authority would not ban VPNs because the government had decided to extend the deadline.

The PTA chairman notified the Senate Standing Committee on IT last week that any VPNs that were not registered would no longer be able to operate in the country after the deadline of 30 November. Virtual private networks (VPNs) are widely utilized to access geo-restricted content.

The VPN banning scheme has already been deemed “illegal” by the Senate’s IT Committee. The annual $400 million IT exports could take a hit if VPNs are blocked, according to experts.

Following the shutdown of Twitter (now known as X) by Pakistani authorities earlier this year due to “national security” concerns, VPN usage skyrocketed in the country.

Freelancers and those in the information technology sector are among those who have been working for better registration terms.

Reliable sources indicate that the PTA has stressed the importance of VPN registration in bolstering cybersecurity, guaranteeing national security, and protecting data. So far, over 27,000 VPNs have been registered.

Streamlined VPN Registration Process

Earlier this month, the PTA said that it has simplified the process of registering for VPNs for businesses and independent contractors.

Businesses including software development companies, banks, embassies, and independent contractors can now register their virtual private networks (VPNs) online through the PTA’s official website, according to the telecom regulator.

This service is also available to members of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), according to the PTA.

Additionally, the registration process necessitates the submission of essential information using an online form, which includes a computerized national identity card (CNIC), details regarding the company’s registration, and verification of taxable status.

In its statement, the PTA requested that freelancers provide proof of affiliation with their project or company. This proof can be in the form of an email or letter. Candidates are also required to supply the VPN connection’s IP address. It went on to say that an Internet service provider can be contacted to obtain a static IP address if needed.