Government to extend VPN registration deadline

ISLAMABAD: The deadline for Virtual Private Network (VPN) registration is likely to be extended till the end of December 2024 by the federal government.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has asked to extend the deadline for VPN registration, which is currently set to November 30 due to intense pressure.

Due to the VPN ban that began on November 30, nearly one million independent contractors who generate about $400 million in revenue are at risk. Both a longer registration period and a more straightforward registration process have been demanded by several parties.

The committee was not satisfied with the proposal by the Ministry of Information Technology or PTA to block VPNs from November 30.

The PTA believed that if VPNs were registered, the internet would be shut down in Pakistan. Since the implementation of the policy in 2016, the PTA has registered more than 25,000 VPNs. Internet problems will be reduced if businesses in Pakistan register for VPNs.

Additionally, the PTA revealed that businesses and freelancers now have an easier time registering for VPNs. Software companies, contact centers, banks, embassies and independent contractors can now register their VPNs through PTA’s official website, the organization said in a statement.

The statement added that this opportunity is available to members of Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB). PTA clarified that candidates have to fill an online form and submit basic information to complete the VPN registration.