Islamabad, December 5, 2024–The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) revealed during a Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology meeting on Thursday that over 30,000 Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been registered to date, with licensing set to begin in January 2025. The session focused on the registration and licensing process and its potential implications for national security, the IT industry, and overall internet accessibility in Pakistan.
During the briefing, the PTA chairman explained that the initial notification for VPN registration was issued in December 2010, and since then, the registration process has gradually progressed. The chairman also noted that monitoring VPN usage is standard practice globally, emphasizing that Pakistan’s regulatory measures align with international norms.
Concerns were raised about how these regulations might disrupt internet services, particularly in the IT sector, which is experiencing rapid growth of approximately 30% annually. The PTA acknowledged reports from 99% of IT companies citing service disruptions that have impacted operations. To address this, the authority has set up a dedicated cell to work with industry stakeholders and mitigate potential issues.
Discussions also touched on the security risks posed by free VPN services and the necessity of registering local VPN providers. Senator Anusha Rahman, reflecting on past experiences, pointed out that VPN registrations between 2013 and 2018 did not lead to internet disruptions due to effective measures like whitelisting and controlling grey traffic.
Senator Kamran Murtaza questioned whether Pakistan’s security-related internet shutdowns were a unique challenge, asking if neighboring countries like India faced similar issues. The IT secretary clarified that shutting down internet services during national security threats is a common practice, not unique to Pakistan. Senator Rehman emphasized that while national security is paramount, VPN registration must not hinder internet access or the growth of the IT industry.
The committee concluded that a balanced approach is essential as the PTA prepares to roll out VPN licenses in 2025. Collaboration between regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders will be critical to ensure the process protects national interests while supporting the continued expansion of Pakistan’s IT sector.
