To ensure seamless VPN access, software houses, IT companies, and other relevant businesses are being strongly encouraged to register their IP addresses. This proactive measure aims to prevent disruptions and maintain the stability of VPN services. Registering IPs will help streamline connectivity and safeguard against potential interruptions, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted experience for users.
On Tuesday, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reaffirmed that virtual private networks (VPNs) are not being blocked in Pakistan.
In response to recent media reports suggesting that the PTA planned to block VPNs, the authority clarified in a statement that VPNs remain accessible and are not subject to any blocking measures in Pakistan.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) establishes a secure, encrypted connection between a user’s device and a remote server operated by the VPN provider. This connection forms a point-to-point tunnel that protects the user’s personal data, hides their IP address, and enables them to bypass website restrictions and firewalls. As a result, users can enjoy private, secure, and unrestricted online experiences.
In Pakistan, the use of VPNs has surged, particularly after the blocking of Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) and ongoing internet disruptions. VPNs are also popular for accessing websites and applications quickly and for faster downloads.
Recent weeks have seen widespread internet disruptions across the country, which authorities attribute to issues with a “faulty” submarine cable. They anticipate that these problems will be resolved by early October. The disruptions have faced strong criticism from netizens and the IT sector, who have linked the slowdown and limited connectivity to the suspected testing of an internet firewall designed to filter and block unwanted social media content.
The government has also previously cited an increase in VPN usage as a factor contributing to the internet slowdown.
To mitigate potential issues, the PTA is urging IT companies, software houses, freelancers, banks, and similar entities to register their IP addresses for VPN use. This registration process is intended to ensure that their internet services remain unaffected during any disruptions. According to the PTA, the registration process is straightforward and available through the PTA and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) websites. It is free of charge and typically takes two to three days.
Since 2020, over 20,000 IPs have been registered for VPN use. The PTA has previously emphasized that it is whitelisting VPNs to facilitate the secure and uninterrupted operations of businesses, software houses, call centers, and foreign missions. PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman recently confirmed to the Senate’s Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat that the authority is whitelisting VPNs to ensure only selected proxy networks are available in Pakistan.
