The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is taking steps to regulate the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across the country, allowing only whitelisted VPNs and banning all others. This move follows a significant increase in VPN usage, particularly after the blocking of X (formerly Twitter) in Pakistan earlier this year.
The PTA Chairman, retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman, announced the forthcoming regulations during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat. Under the new policy, only authorized VPNs will be allowed, while unregistered ones will be blocked. This decision has raised concerns about the impact on the IT industry, where VPNs are widely used for secure communication and data protection.
In 2024, VPN usage among Pakistani internet users has surged, largely to access X, which has been inaccessible in the country since February 19. A study by Top10VPN, an independent VPN review site, reported a 131% increase in demand for proxy networks following the ban on X.
The PTA’s decision could have significant implications for the IT sector, as VPNs are essential for various business functions, including secure data transfer and remote access to corporate networks. Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hasan, PTA President, acknowledged the potential risks, noting that a nationwide ban on VPNs could severely disrupt IT businesses dependent on these networks.
The government has previously attempted to regulate VPN usage by requiring registration for public and private organizations, foreign missions, and freelancers. However, these efforts have not been fully enforced, leaving many users uncertain about the future of VPN accessibility in Pakistan.
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