The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a statement clarifying that virtual private networks (VPNs) are not being blocked in the country, despite recent media reports suggesting otherwise. The PTA’s reassurance comes amid ongoing internet disruptions and concerns about the functionality of VPNs for users seeking unrestricted online access.
A VPN, or virtual private network, establishes a secure connection between a user’s device and a remote server, encrypting data and masking the user’s IP address. This technology helps users bypass internet censorship, access blocked websites, and maintain privacy online. In Pakistan, VPNs have become increasingly popular due to recent issues with internet accessibility, particularly following the blocking of X (formerly Twitter), which is owned by Elon Musk, and general disruptions in internet service.
Recent weeks have seen widespread internet issues in Pakistan, with disruptions being attributed to a “faulty” submarine cable. The PTA has projected that these issues will be resolved by early October. The outages have prompted criticism from both netizens and the IT sector, with some attributing the slowdown to potential testing of an internet firewall designed to filter social media content.
Amid these concerns, there have been claims that the government might be blocking VPNs or imposing restrictions on their use. The PTA has addressed these concerns by clarifying that VPNs are not being blocked. Instead, the authority is encouraging IT companies, software houses, freelancers, and banks to register their IP addresses to ensure that their services remain uninterrupted in the event of any disruptions. The PTA’s statement emphasized that VPN registration is a straightforward process that can be completed through the PTA and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) websites. This process, which is free of cost, typically takes two to three days.
Since the implementation of this registration process, over 20,000 IP addresses have been registered for VPN use since 2020. This system was put in place to facilitate the operations of businesses and organizations that rely on VPNs for secure and uninterrupted connectivity. The PTA has also previously announced that it is whitelisting VPNs through an automated process to ensure that selected proxy networks can continue to operate smoothly in Pakistan.
PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman had earlier confirmed to the Senate’s Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat that the PTA was indeed whitelisting VPNs, thereby making only selected networks available. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage internet services and address issues related to online security and accessibility.
The PTA’s recent statement aims to dispel any misconceptions about VPN usage restrictions and to provide clear guidance to businesses and individuals who rely on VPNs for their internet activities. By promoting the registration of IPs and ensuring that legitimate VPN services remain operational, the PTA is working to mitigate the impact of internet disruptions on Pakistan’s digital economy and online community.
The PTA’s clarification reinforces its commitment to maintaining a secure and accessible internet environment in Pakistan. While challenges related to internet disruptions and VPN usage persist, the authority’s proactive measures and transparent communication are intended to support the continued functioning of IT services and protect users’ access to online resources.
