Govt May Block Certain VPNs After PTA Completes Registration

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has received applications from two additional companies seeking registration as VPN service providers. This follows the issuance of licenses to two companies earlier. The licenses are being granted under the class license for data services. PTA has set a target to register seven VPN service providers by May. PTA noted that once the registration process is complete, the government may decide to block certain VPNs based on specific criteria. Currently, approximately 40 VPNs are operating in Pakistan. The decision to block any VPNs will ultimately rest with the federal government, according to PTA officials. They emphasized that the PTA cannot currently support the closure of VPNs. The registration process for VPN service providers began in December 2024, and companies that obtain licenses from the PTA will be legally permitted to offer VPN services in the country.