The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has started blocking VPNs that aren’t registered or don’t have official approval, aiming to improve online security. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are being temporarily restricted under a review process known as “whitelisting,” which allows only authorized VPNs to function. According to the PTA, unregistered VPNs pose security risks, as they can grant access to restricted or prohibited content, making regulation essential for safer internet usage.
The PTA began its VPN registration process in 2010 and has since approved over 20,500 VPNs across 1,422 companies. Now, the PTA aims to speed up approvals to provide smoother digital experiences for legitimate users. Many countries, such as China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, also limit VPN use, generally allowing them only for business purposes.