The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced on Monday that it has begun issuing licenses to Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers in the country.
According to a press release, the PTA has already approved the applications of two companies for Class Licenses to offer VPN services.
This move aims to enable businesses to use VPNs for lawful purposes, ensuring data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance while promoting transparency.
The PTA reiterated its commitment to supporting organizations in responsibly meeting their connectivity needs.
Also read:Â Uzbekistan lifts ban on Pakistani workers: Check out visa & protector fees
Last December, the PTA developed a new strategy to register VPNs after previous efforts to ensure compliance were unsuccessful. Initially, the telecom regulator had considered banning VPNs due to legal concerns but later retracted this decision.
Globally, VPNs are used to access content that may be restricted or inaccessible in one’s home country. In Pakistan, VPNs are commonly used to access specific websites that are otherwise blocked.