ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman emphasized the critical role of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for both the IT sector and the general public, even as concerns over a potential ban on private gateways continue to grow.
Speaking at a briefing for the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, the PTA chief highlighted the importance of VPNs for freelancers and businesses, noting their indispensable role in enabling the IT industry to function effectively.
The PTA has extended the deadline for VPN registration to November 30 to address widespread concerns about the misuse of unauthorized VPNs, which are often employed to bypass internet restrictions or access prohibited content.
“The common man needs VPNs,” Rehman remarked, urging individuals and businesses within the IT sector to ensure their VPNs are registered to avoid disruptions. He assured that registered VPNs would not be affected, saying, “Internet will never be shut down if VPN is registered.”
Since the introduction of the VPN registration policy in 2016, the PTA has actively worked to create awareness, with recent campaigns emphasizing compliance. Rehman disclosed that 25,000 VPNs have been registered so far, while the authority has also blocked over 500,000 websites containing obscene content.
The PTA chairman also addressed the broader implications of internet shutdowns, acknowledging the significant harm they cause to industries reliant on connectivity.
The PTA continues to work with stakeholders to balance security concerns with the critical needs of Pakistan’s burgeoning IT and freelancing sectors.
