The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has extended the deadline for registering Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), ensuring that VPN services remain accessible beyond the initially planned cut-off date of November 30.
PTA Chairman Major General (rtd) Hafeezul Rehman clarified that VPNs would not be blocked as of now but refrained from providing a new deadline, stating that the decision lies with the Ministry of Interior.
The extension follows appeals from stakeholders, including the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (Wispap), the IT industry, and freelancers, who sought additional time to comply with registration requirements.
The PTA underlined that registering VPNs is vital for bolstering cybersecurity, protecting national data, and addressing concerns around restricted internet access, meanwhile, over 27,000 VPNs registered already.
READ: PTA deadline for VPNs registration ends today
The PTA has simplified the VPN registration process for organizations, freelancers, and software houses. Registrants can apply via the PTA’s official website by submitting basic details such as CNIC or company registration documents, Taxpayer status, VPN IP addresses, which can be obtained from an Internet Service Provider
Freelancers are required to provide proof of their projects or company affiliations to complete the process.
VPN usage in Pakistan has surged since the government’s ban on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) earlier this year, which was imposed citing national security concerns.
The extended deadline is expected to provide relief to businesses, freelancers, and other users who rely on VPNs for secure internet access and global connectivity.
Source: The Express Tribune
