The deadline for registering Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in Pakistan is set to expire today (Saturday), with authorities indicating that a crackdown will begin immediately if an extension is not granted. According to sources, more than 27,000 VPNs have already been registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) ahead of the deadline.
Importance of VPN Registration
The PTA has emphasized the significance of VPN registration for enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity and ensuring data protection and national security. VPNs are widely used globally to access restricted content, and in Pakistan, their usage surged following the government’s ban on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) earlier this year due to national security concerns.
Call for Deadline Extension
Stakeholders, particularly those in the IT industry and freelancers, have urged the government to extend the deadline. The decision to grant an extension, however, lies with the Ministry of Interior, which is still deliberating the matter.
Crackdown on Unregistered VPNs
If the deadline is not extended, the PTA is set to initiate a crackdown on unregistered VPNs. The authority had previously set November 30 as the final date for VPN registration and has stated that registered VPNs can play a vital role in bolstering the country’s cybersecurity.
Streamlined Registration Process
Earlier this month, the PTA announced that it had simplified the VPN registration process for organizations and freelancers. Businesses such as software houses, call centers, banks, embassies, and individual freelancers can register their VPNs online through the PTA’s official website.
The process involves submitting an online form and providing details such as a computerized national identity card (CNIC), company registration information, and taxpayer status. Freelancers are required to provide additional documentation, such as a letter or email verifying their connection with a project or company. Applicants must also provide the IP address used for VPN connectivity, with fixed IP addresses available through Internet Service Providers.
