Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Clarifies VPN Whitelisting Process Amid Ban Rumors
- PTA confirms VPNs are being whitelisted through an automated process to support secure IT services.
- PTA denies rumors of a blanket ban on VPNs in Pakistan.
- PTA’s actions follow government directives, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that VPNs are being whitelisted through an automated process to ensure the smooth and secure functioning of IT services and online businesses. This announcement comes amid speculation and media reports suggesting an impending blanket ban on VPNs in the country. PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman recently addressed these concerns, linking the lifting of a ban on X (formerly known as Twitter) to government directives.
During a briefing to the Senate’s Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, Rehman confirmed that only selected proxy networks would be available in Pakistan following the VPN whitelisting process. The PTA emphasized that no blanket ban has been imposed and that any blocking of services is carried out strictly under the directions of the government and in accordance with legal frameworks.
The PTA’s official statement today reiterated, “No such action has been taken and all kinds of blocking is undertaken only under the directions of the government of Pakistan in accordance with legal frameworks and guidelines.” The statement also highlighted that VPNs are being whitelisted through an automated process available on the PTA and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) websites, ensuring that IT services and online businesses can operate smoothly and securely.
It’s important to note that Pakistani authorities suspended access to X on February 17, citing national security concerns, although it remains accessible through various proxy networks. Last month, the federal government defended this ban in a response submitted to the Sindh High Court, asserting that the move was legitimate in addressing national security issues.