Islamabad: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) launched a new registration portal for virtual private networks (VPN) on Tuesday, aiming to ensure a secure environment for Pakistan’s growing IT and e-commerce sectors. The initiative was part of a consultation session aimed at discussing the VPN registration framework, according to a press release.
VPNs are commonly used around the world to access restricted or geo-blocked content, and in Pakistan, they are particularly used to bypass restrictions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). The new registration system follows complaints from across the country about “restricted access” to VPN services and poor internet connectivity.
Digital rights groups criticized the unrest, accusing the government of imposing stricter censorship and surveillance measures on citizens. However, the PTA refuted these claims, attributing access issues to a “technical glitch” rather than intentional throttling, and urging users to register their VPNs.
The consultation was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MoIT&T), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and Pakistan Software Enterprises Association (P@SHA). During the session, PTA officials introduced the new online portal, ipregistration.pta.gov.pk, where legitimate VPN users, including IT companies and freelancers, can register their services.
The PTA stressed that the new process will help ensure uninterrupted access to stakeholders in the IT sector, reinforcing the authority’s commitment to promoting the digital economy in Pakistan. The session also addressed concerns about the potential for VPNs to be misused for illegal activities, and urged businesses and individuals to register their VPNs as a precaution to avoid disruptions.
“This initiative reflects PTA’s commitment to maintaining a secure, accessible and compliant digital environment, supporting the IT sector while protecting national security,” the statement concluded.
The move follows previous attempts by the PTA to limit VPN use in August, specifically to block access to the banned social media platform X. Information Minister Atallah Tarar explained in September that the platform was blocked due to national security concerns, citing its use by separatists. And terrorists against Pakistan. At the time, the PTA also clarified that VPNs had not been banned, despite rumors to the contrary.