Islamabad (TDI): In a bid to facilitate the IT industry and freelancers, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced on Saturday that virtual private networks (VPNs) can now be registered using mobile numbers for those without static IP addresses.
“The initiative aims to simplify the VPN registration process and support the IT sector,” said the PTA in a statement, adding that over 31,000 VPNs have been registered so far.
The regulatory body urged users to complete their VPN registration through the PTA’s official website.
This development follows the government’s concerns over unregistered VPNs and the potential security risks associated with their usage.
Initially, the PTA had set a November 30 deadline for VPN registration and warned of a crackdown on unregistered networks.
However, the authority later announced that the deadline would not result in an immediate block, granting an extension to ensure compliance.
The Ministry of Interior had earlier declared plans to shut down unregistered VPNs by mid-November but allowed a two-week grace period after industry stakeholders, including freelancers and IT professionals, requested more time.
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PTA Chairman Maj Gen (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, speaking to the media, confirmed that the government had extended the registration deadline to accommodate users.
VPNs, often used globally for secure data access and to bypass restricted content, have seen a rise in demand in Pakistan after the government imposed a ban on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) earlier this year over national security concerns.
The PTA underscored the importance of VPN registration in strengthening cybersecurity, protecting sensitive data, and addressing national security issues.
VPN Registration Process
The registration process requires users to complete an online form and submit basic details, including their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC), company registration information, and taxpayer status.
Freelancers must provide documentation verifying their association with a project or company.
Also Read: Pakistan Makes VPN Registration Mandatory for Banks, IT Firms,
For VPN connectivity, applicants are required to supply an IP address, which can be obtained from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) if a fixed IP address is necessary.
The PTA’s move has been welcomed by stakeholders, who view it as a step toward streamlining regulations while addressing security concerns.
