PTA confirms whitelisting VPNs in Pakistan amid ban reports

ISLAMABAD: Amid reports of ban on virtual private networks, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that it is whitelisting VPNs through an “automated process” to ensure the smooth and secure functioning of IT services and online businesses.

The clarification comes two days after PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman linked the lifting of a ban on X, formerly known as Twitter, to the government’s directives.

In a briefing to the Senate’s Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, he also confirmed that the PTA was whitelisting VPNs after which only selected proxy networks will be available in Pakistan.

However, some media reports suggested that the country was going to impose a blanket ban on the use of VPNs.

The PTA, in an official announcement, clarified: “No such action has been taken and all kinds of blocking is undertaken only under the directions of government of Pakistan in accordance with legal frameworks and guidelines.”

“For smooth and secure functioning of the IT services and online businesses, VPNs are being whitelisted through an automated process available at PTA and PSEB websites,” it added.It is worth mentioning here that the Pakistani authorities suspended the X in the country on February 17, citing national security concerns. However, it can be accessed through different proxy networks.

Last month, the federal government defended the ban on X in its response submitted to the SHC, saying that the move was “legitimate” when addressing national security.