The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided not to block Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) after the original deadline for their registration lapsed at midnight on November 30. The government has instead granted an extension for the registration process, though a new date for the suspension of unregistered VPNs has yet to be announced.
Earlier, the Ministry of Interior had set plans to begin shutting down all non-registered VPNs by mid-November, but later granted a two-week “grace period” for compliance with the registration requirements. As the deadline passed, PTA Chairman Maj Gen (Retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman confirmed in media statements that VPNs would not be blocked immediately, with the deadline for registration extended.
The PTA had initially planned to enforce the registration rule strictly, especially after social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were banned in Pakistan earlier this year. VPNs have been widely used in the country to bypass such restrictions, leading to a surge in their usage.
Despite the extension, the PTA continues to stress the importance of VPN registration for enhancing cybersecurity and national security. To date, more than 27,000 VPNs have been registered, including those from various sectors such as software houses, banks, and freelancers.
The PTA has streamlined the registration process, allowing businesses and freelancers to register online through the PTA’s official portal. Required documentation includes CNIC details, company registration, taxpayer status, and for freelancers, confirmation of project or company affiliation. Additionally, applicants must provide the IP address for VPN connectivity, which can be obtained from an Internet Service Provider.
While the extended deadline may bring temporary relief, the PTA’s focus remains on improving data protection and national security through the registration initiative.
