The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has refuted the possibility of a possible VPN ban in Pakistan. The authority has stressed its priority to further develop the digital and IT sector in Pakistan whilst commenting on the availability of online access and data security issues.
Members of Senate Standing committee on Information technology according to one of their sessions have admitted that VPNs are widely used in positive aspects like encrypted data transferring, secure communication, and remote business operations. PTA representatives have conceded that a blanket ban on VPNs is virtually impossible and also damaging to businesses which depend on international digital connectivity.
We are working to expand Pakistan IT ecology without being restricted to the necessities of communication tools, the PTA spokesperson told the committee. Digital infrastructure is being boosted, foreign investment sought and tech innovation promoted across the country.
This was also supported by previous confirmation given by PTA Chairman Maj-Gen (retd) Hafeezur Rehman who had said that there has been no blocking of the VPNs but had said that VPN registration has been extended to the mobile users.
Read more: PTA Delays VPN Ban, Registration Ongoing
Related to that, the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) also questioned the payment of irregular allowances of Rs 17.2 million to PTA officials in 202324 and the issue of non-compliance regarding the recruitment quotas which now is under review of the Departmental Accounts Committee.
Nevertheless, PTA remains firm in the belief that it will not ban VPNs in an effort to provide a secure digital connection to business and individuals within Pakistan.
