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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is reportedly moving to regulate Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across the country.
PTA Chairman, retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman, announced that only whitelisted VPNs will be permitted in Pakistan once the new policy is implemented, with all others being banned. He made this statement during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat.
In 2024, there has been a significant increase in VPN usage among local internet users, primarily to access X (formerly Twitter), which has been blocked in Pakistan since February 19.
Following the block on X, demand for proxy networks surged by 131%, according to a study by Top10VPN, an independent VPN review site.
Any attempts to restrict VPN use in Pakistan could have broader implications for the IT industry, given the diverse functions VPNs serve. This concern was echoed by PTA President Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hasan, who noted that while a nationwide ban on VPNs is feasible, it could lead to the collapse of numerous IT businesses reliant on these networks.
The government has previously tried to regulate VPN use by requiring registration for public and private sector organizations, foreign missions, and freelancers. However, these initiatives have not been fully implemented.
