ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) streamlined the Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) registration process for organisations and freelancers to facilitate their legitimate use.
This move comes a day after Pakistani authorities announced blocking illegal VPNs operating in the country, citing national security concerns.
According to a PTA statement, entities such as software houses, call centres, banks, embassies, and freelancers can now easily register their VPNs online through the PTA’s official website: www.pta.gov.pk.
The statement also mentioned that members of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) can avail themselves of this facility.
Registration involves completing an online form and providing basic details, including CNIC, company registration details, and taxpayer status.
Freelancers must submit documentation such as a letter or email verifying their project or company association. Additionally, applicants must provide the IP address for VPN connectivity. If a fixed IP address is required, it can be obtained from an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
The registration process is free, and approvals are typically granted within 8–10 hours of submission.
The internet regulatory body said that more than 20,000 companies and freelancers have successfully registered their VPNs through this efficient process.
The statement also mentioned that any individual requiring a VPN for commercial purposes can apply under the ‘Freelancer’ category and provide the required information, including supporting evidence from the employer.
Earlier on Friday, the Ministry of Interior, in a letter to the PTA, stated that VPNs are increasingly being exploited by terrorists to facilitate violent activities and financial transactions.
“Of late, an alarming trend has been identified, where VPNs are used by terrorists to obscure and conceal their communications,” the letter said.
The letter further explained that VPNs, which protect users by encrypting their identities, data, and IP addresses, are also being misused to access prohibited and pornographic content.
According to a Microsoft blog, VPNs hide browsing activity, identity, and physical location, protecting users’ personal data.
However, the Interior Ministry warned that VPNs, which are considered illegal in Pakistan, are being used to access pornographic and blasphemous content.
“Pakistan is considered one of the countries where pornographic sites are frequently visited via VPNs,” the letter said, adding that these trends justify the prohibition of unauthorised VPNs to address these critical security threats.
“It is, therefore, requested that illegal VPNs be blocked across Pakistan so that legitimate, registered VPN users are not affected. In addition, VPN registration with the PTA should be completed by November 30, 2024.”
