Tue Sep 10 13:37:00 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Denies Blocking VPNs, Encourages Registration for Business Continuity

**ISLAMABAD –** The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Tuesday issued a statement refuting recent media reports claiming that VPNs are being blocked in Pakistan. The authority clarified that VPNs remain accessible and are not being blocked.

The statement further explained the benefits of using VPNs, including enhanced privacy, security, and access to blocked websites. Notably, VPN usage has surged in Pakistan following the block of X (formerly Twitter) and widespread internet disruptions.

While acknowledging the recent internet issues attributed to a faulty submarine cable, the PTA emphasized that they are not connected to any restrictions on VPN use. Instead, the authority is encouraging businesses, including IT companies, software houses, freelancers, and banks, to register their internet protocols (IPs) for utilizing VPNs. This registration, facilitated through a “one-window operation” on the PTA and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) websites, ensures uninterrupted internet access for these entities even in the event of network disruptions.

The registration process, which takes 2-3 days and is free of cost, has already seen over 20,000 IPs registered for VPNs since 2020. This initiative aims to ensure the smooth functioning of IT services and online businesses, as previously announced by the PTA.

This clarification follows previous reports suggesting a ban on VPNs and the PTA’s subsequent announcement of a whitelisting process for VPNs. The authority emphasizes that the current policy allows for the use of VPNs, with a focus on facilitating secure and uninterrupted operations for businesses.

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