KARACHI: The Pakis­tan Telecom Authority has again clarified that virtual private networks (VPNs) are not being blocked in the country.

In a statement posted on its social media accounts on Tuesday, the regulator rejected media reports that it is planning to block VPNs.

The PTA, however, req­u­ested IT companies, software houses, freelancers, banks, and other busine­s­ses to “register” their VPNs to ensure uninterrupted internet services “in case of any disruption”.

The regulator added that businesses can register their VPN through the web­sites of PTA and Pak­is­tan Software Export Board.

The process is free of cost and takes two to three days, the statement added.

As the use of VPN sur­ged across the country due to internet disruption and blocking of X, PTA has amped up its efforts to “register” proxy networks.

On Monday, PTA Chair­man retired Maj Gen Haf­eezur Rehman told a mee­ting of the Senate Stan­ding Committee on IT that more than 20,000 VPNs have already been registered.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2024