Tech Desk 
Nov 30, 2024
The federal government of Pakistan is considering extending the deadline for the registration of virtual private networks (VPNs) following a request from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
This development comes a day before the current deadline for registering VPNs, set by the Ministry of Interior for November 30. Notably, today marks the final day of the deadline for the closure of unregistered VPNs.
In a statement, the PTA confirmed that over 200 VPNs are being registered daily, with a total of more than 27,000 VPNs registered so far. The authority claims that registered VPNs can help enhance cybersecurity in Pakistan. Furthermore, VPN registration is deemed necessary for national security and data protection, as well as to safeguard against cyberattacks.
The PTA is currently consulting with stakeholders, who have been advocating for an extension of the registration period and a simplified registration process.
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has also raised concerns about the potential loss of millions of dollars in IT remittances due to the proposed VPN blocking.
The PTA noted that, under the VPN policy introduced in 2016, it has already registered over 25,000 VPNs. It has streamlined the VPN registration process, enabling software houses, call centres, banks, embassies, and freelancers to register their VPNs via its official website. This facility is also available to members of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB).
Notably, if the deadline is not extended, around one million freelancers, who collectively contribute approximately $400 million to the country, could be at risk.
According to sources, the Ministry of Interior will decide whether to extend the VPN registration deadline.
