PTA clarifies VPNs not being blocked in the country

In a recent development, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has addressed growing concerns and rumors regarding the status of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in the country. On Tuesday, the PTA issued a clear statement dispelling reports that VPNs were being blocked, reaffirming their accessibility for Pakistani users.

VPNs and Their Growing Popularity

VPNs have become a critical tool for internet users globally, providing a means to access restricted content and maintain online privacy. Their importance has been particularly notable in Pakistan, where a significant uptick in VPN usage was observed in 2024. This surge is largely attributed to the blocking of X (formerly Twitter), which has been inaccessible in the country since February 19. According to a report by Top10VPN, a notable independent VPN review website, the demand for proxy networks skyrocketed by 131 percent two days following the blockade of X.

PTA’s Clarification

Amidst swirling media reports suggesting a possible ban on VPNs, the PTA took to the airwaves to clarify the situation. The authority issued a statement confirming that VPNs are not being blocked in Pakistan. However, the PTA did recommend that users register their internet protocol (IP) addresses for VPN use. This registration process is intended to ensure that in the event of any service disruptions, the internet services to registered entities such as IT companies, software houses, freelancers, and banks remain unaffected.

The PTA’s statement read: “Recent news circulating in media about PTA to block VPNs, it is clarified that VPNs are not being blocked in Pakistan.” The statement further emphasized the authority’s encouragement for users to register their IP addresses for VPN usage. Registration, available through the PTA and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) websites, is described as a “one window operation” that takes two to three days to complete and is free of charge.

Background and Recent Developments

In August, the head of the PTA had mentioned to a parliamentary committee that the authority was contemplating a regulatory framework for VPNs. This plan included whitelisting certain proxy networks while potentially blocking others. This announcement led to speculation and confusion regarding the future accessibility of VPNs in the country.

The situation was further complicated by comments from the country’s Information Technology Minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja. In a press conference last month, Khawaja attributed the slowdown of internet services across Pakistan to the widespread use of VPNs. She assured the public that the internet had neither been shut down nor deliberately slowed down by the government. Instead, she suggested that the slowdown was due to the large-scale adoption of VPNs to bypass restrictions on specific apps.

Khawaja noted, “The issue was limited to a few services on certain apps not downloading, which led a large segment of the population to start using VPNs.” She did not specify which apps or services were disrupted but emphasized that the slowdown was not a result of state intervention.

Technical Analysis

In contrast to the government’s assertions, a technical analysis by the digital rights group Bytes For All (B4A) provided a different perspective. Their findings indicated that users accessing the internet through VPNs experienced better download speeds and faced minimal disruptions. This analysis highlights a discrepancy between public perception and the reported impact of VPN usage on internet performance in Pakistan.

Moving Forward

As Pakistan navigates the complex landscape of internet governance and digital freedoms, the PTA’s clarification comes as a relief to many users and businesses relying on VPNs for their daily operations and online privacy. The authority’s emphasis on IP registration suggests a move towards a more structured approach to internet regulation, balancing security concerns with user access.

The ongoing developments around VPN regulation will likely continue to shape the discourse on digital rights and internet freedoms in Pakistan. For now, the PTA’s assurance that VPNs are not being blocked provides a sense of stability for users who have increasingly turned to these networks to circumvent restrictions and ensure their online activities remain secure.