The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified recent media reports regarding the blocking of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

The PTA stated that any such blocking is conducted lawfully under the direction of the Government of Pakistan and within the established legal framework.

PTA stated that VPNs can be whitelisted through an automated process available on both the PTA and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) websites.

This process aims to promote and protect IT services and online businesses in the country, ensuring that legitimate users can continue their operations without disruption.

The regulator’s comment comes in after Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Rahman’s statement on Thursday to the Senate Standing Committee on IT & Telecom. He mentioned that the PTA has begun the process of whitelisting VPNs to prevent unauthorized services from operating in the country.

He also noted that while VPNs could be blocked entirely nationwide, such a measure will negatively impact businesses.