In its bid to facilitate freelancers, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced the registration of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) against mobile numbers for Internet users who do not have a static IP address. .
In a statement issued on Saturday, the PTA said: “This step is aimed at further simplifying the VPN registration process for the convenience of the IT industry”.
Revealing that more than 31,000 VPNs have been registered so far, the regulatory body advised users to register VPNs against mobile numbers by accessing its website.
The development comes after the PTA announced a crackdown on unregistered VPNs in light of security concerns raised by the government.
The body had initially set a November 30 deadline for VPN registration. However, it later decided not to block VPNs when the deadline expired, saying it would go beyond that.
The Ministry of Interior had announced it would begin the process of shutting down all unregistered VPNs by mid-November but later announced a two-week “grace period” to allow unregistered VPNs to comply with mandatory registration requirements. was given
Speaking to the media, Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman had confirmed that the authority will not block VPNs, as the government has decided to extend the deadline.
VPNs, which are commonly used around the world to bypass restricted content and ensure data security, have seen a notable increase in their use in Pakistan after authorities over “national security” concerns. But earlier this year, social media site X (formerly Twitter) was banned.
Stakeholders, including the IT industry and freelancers, are pushing for an extension of the registration deadline.
According to sources, the PTA has emphasized that VPN registration is essential to enhance cyber security and ensure national security and data protection.
VPN Registration
The VPN registration process involves completing an online form and providing basic details including Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), company registration details and taxpayer status.
Freelancers must submit documentation, such as a letter or email, to verify their project or company association, the PTA statement said.
Additionally, applicants must provide an IP address for VPN connectivity. If a fixed IP address is required, it can be obtained from an Internet Service Provider (ISP).