The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced an online portal aimed at simplifying the registration process for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as part of an effort to foster a “secure environment for the IT and e-commerce sectors in Pakistan.” The announcement came on November 12th during a consultation session attended by representatives from the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication, the Pakistan Software Export Board, and the Pakistan Software Houses Association.
Earlier, On November 10, numerous internet users across Pakistan reported restricted access to virtual private networks (VPNs) and poor internet connectivity. In response, the PTA maintained that the disruptions were caused by a technical issue, not deliberate blocking. However, the authority reiterated its call for all commercial VPN users to register their services.
During the consultation, digital rights activist had termed the disruption as an attempt by the government to “enforce strict censorship and surveillance over citizens.” PTA denied any intentional throttling of VPN services. The authority attributed the connectivity issues to a “technical glitch” and reiterated that registering VPNs through the new portal is essential to avoid future disruptions. The PTA stated, “The PTA introduced a streamlined VPN registration process, allowing legitimate users to register their VPNs through a new online portal at ipregistration.pta.gov.pk.”
Concerns about the potential misuse of VPNs for illegal activities were also discussed during the session. PTA officials stressed the importance of taking proactive steps to address these risks, emphasizing the need for companies and freelancers to register. The statement from the authority read: “As a proactive measure, companies and freelancers will be encouraged to register their VPNs to ensure smooth operations and mitigate disruptions.”
The PTA highlighted its commitment to maintaining a secure yet accessible digital environment that promotes economic growth in the IT sector. The press release noted, “This consultation process underscores PTA’s dedication to creating a safe, accessible, and compliant digital landscape, empowering the country’s IT sector while safeguarding national security.”.
