The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has addressed recent media reports concerning the blocking of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), stating that any such actions are conducted legally under the directives of the Government of Pakistan and within the established legal framework.
The PTA has implemented an automated process for VPN whitelisting, accessible through the PTA and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) websites. This initiative is designed to support IT services and online businesses in the country, ensuring that legitimate users can continue their operations without disruption. The PTA’s statement follows comments from Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Rahman, who informed the Senate Standing Committee on IT & Telecom that the PTA has begun whitelisting VPNs to prevent unauthorized services from operating in Pakistan. He also noted that while there is potential to block VPNs entirely, such an action could negatively impact businesses.
