Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, Lieutenant General (Retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman, clarified that no VPN services have been blocked in Pakistan so far.
Speaking about VPN usage, he highlighted that individuals can register their VPNs using their mobile numbers, and over 33,000 VPNs have already been registered. He added that VPNs are only restricted if there is a formal directive from the government or a judicial order.
PTA officials further shared that fines totaling Rs 68 million have been imposed on companies that failed to provide satisfactory telecom services. This step aims to ensure better service quality for users.
To regulate VPN usage, PTA plans to introduce mandatory registration for VPN service providers catering to general consumers. This measure is designed to maintain transparency and security while balancing the needs of businesses and individuals.
Despite ongoing economic challenges, Pakistan’s telecom sector has shown remarkable progress. The sector recorded a growth of 17%, showcasing its resilience and the increasing reliance on digital connectivity.
Moreover, Pakistan now ranks among the top 40 countries in the world for cybersecurity, a significant achievement that reflects improvements in the country’s digital security framework.
The PTA’s emphasis remains on improving service quality, enhancing cybersecurity, and ensuring that VPN usage is regulated responsibly without unnecessary restrictions. These measures aim to strike a balance between digital freedom and national security, enabling continued growth in Pakistan’s telecom and technology sectors.
