ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a new registration portal for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to enhance security across Pakistan’s growing IT and e-commerce sectors. The registration process has been divided into four categories: companies, freelancers, call centers, and video conferencing users, with specific documentation required for each group.
For companies, applicants must submit their CNIC along with proof of incorporation or active taxpayer status. Freelancers need to provide their CNIC and an authentication letter from their employer. Call centers are required to submit the applicant’s CNIC, proof of incorporation or active taxpayer status, a registration certificate from the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and, if applicable, a fee for registering five or more IP addresses. Video conferencing applicants must provide their CNIC, a letter of incorporation or an official letter from government bodies or companies, and a fee for five or more IP addresses.
The registration process is available through PTA’s online portal, where users can apply for VPN registration or IP whitelisting. While there is no fee for VPN registration itself, a fee is required for whitelisting five or more IP addresses.
In a related development, the federal government is expected to extend the VPN registration deadline to December 2024, due to resistance from stakeholders. The original deadline of November 30 has raised concerns, especially from Pakistan’s nearly one million freelancers, who contribute around $400 million annually to the economy. There are fears that blocking unregistered VPNs, as initially planned, could significantly harm IT remittances.
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has also raised concerns, calling the proposed blocking of VPNs “illegal” due to the lack of legal provisions for such a ban. The Committee warned that such a move could lead to substantial losses in IT exports and overall economic repercussions.
Since the PTA’s VPN registration policy was implemented in 2016, over 25,000 VPNs have been registered. The PTA claims that the registration process has been simplified, enabling businesses such as software houses, call centers, banks, embassies, and freelancers to complete it easily online. However, the Senate Committee remains concerned about the negative impact on Pakistan’s IT sector and economy.
