Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided not to block Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as the deadline for registration of all non-registered VPNs lapsed on Saturday
While the new deadline has not been given, the government has decided to grant an extension in the registration of VPNs.
Stakeholders, including the IT industry and freelancers, have been pushing for an extension of the deadline for the registration.
The PTA, according to sources, has emphasised that VPN registration is crucial for enhancing cybersecurity and ensuring national security and data protection.
Earlier, the Ministry of Interior had given a deadline of November 30 for closing down all unregistered VPNs. Without using VPNs, it is not possible to run X in the country.
In recent days, disruptions have also been witnessed in using WhatsApp without a VPN in certain parts of the country.
The PTA has registered more than 27,000 VPNs so far.
The PTA preferred not to issue any official statement on the VPN issue on Saturday night. However, its Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman talked to certain media outlets and confirmed that the PTA was not going to block VPNs as the government decided to grant an extension in the envisaged deadline.
The PTA chairman had told the Senate Standing Committee on IT last week that all non-registered VPNs would stop working in the country after the deadline of Nov 30.
‘Streamlined’ VPN registration process
In a statement earlier this month, the PTA had said that it has streamlined the VPN registration process for organisations and freelancers.
The telecommunication regulator said entities such as software houses, call centres, banks, embassies, and freelancers can register their VPNs online through the PTA’s official website.
PTA said members of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) can also avail this facility.
It added that the registration involves completing an online form and providing basic details, including computerised national identity card (CNIC), company registration details and taxpayer status.
Freelancers must submit documentation, such as a letter or email, verifying their project or company association, said the statement by the PTA.
Additionally, applicants must provide the IP address for VPN connectivity. If a fixed IP address is required, it can be acquired from an Internet Service Provider, it added.
