The deadline for the registration of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) has been reached as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) – after extending the deadline for two weeks – announced to block unregistered VPNs in Pakistan after November 30.
Sources close to the development revealed that a total of 27,000 VPNs have been registered with the PTA as the deadline has been reached.
Sources indicate that the registration period is likely to be extended – after the final call by the Ministry of Interior – due to demands from the IT industry, freelancers, and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, sources further asserted that if the deadline is not extended, PTA will initiate a crackdown against unregistered VPNs.
The PTA stressed that registered VPNs are crucial for enhancing cybersecurity, ensuring national security, and protecting sensitive data.
The PTA had previously set November 30 as the final date for VPN registration, with the initiative aimed at streamlining virtual communications while addressing security concerns.
Earlier, PTA has announced a two-week extension for unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to comply with registration requirements.
This move aims to address concerns over internet regulation and economic losses, as freelancers who rely on VPNs for international work could face a significant annual revenue loss of $400 million if their VPNs are not registered.
Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, Major General (retd) Hafeez-ur-Rehman Pasha revealed that over 20,000 VPNs have been registered so far.
As per Daily Jang reports, the new deadline for compliance is November 30, with a crackdown on non-compliant VPNs scheduled to begin on December 1.
According to PTA officials, one trial for banning unregistered VPNs has been successfully completed, with another planned in the coming days.
Source: Daily Jang
