ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that it has no plans to impose a ban on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), reaffirming its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s digital and IT sectors.
The assurance came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, where concerns were raised over possible restrictions on online access and privacy. PTA officials emphasized that VPNs are widely used for legitimate purposes such as secure communication, data encryption, and remote business connectivity, and imposing a blanket ban would be technically unfeasible as well as damaging to businesses reliant on global digital linkages.
“Our priority is to strengthen Pakistan’s IT ecosystem rather than restrict essential tools of modern communication,” a PTA representative told the committee, highlighting efforts to improve digital infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and encourage innovation in the tech sector.
This is not the first time the regulator has dismissed reports of a VPN ban. In December last year, PTA Chairman Maj-Gen (retd) Hafeezur Rehman had reiterated that no VPNs were being blocked. “While we have the capability to block VPNs, there is no such intention. In fact, we have extended VPN registration to mobile phone numbers as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has raised objections over Rs 17.2 million in allowances and rewards disbursed to the PTA chairman and members during the 2023–24 fiscal year, terming them irregular and beyond approved salary structures. The payments, including Eid bonuses and proficiency incentives, were said to exceed the prescribed limits under MP-I and MP-II pay scales.
PTA has defended the payments, claiming they were made under Finance Division guidelines, but auditors rejected this explanation. The issue has now been referred to a Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC), which has been tasked with submitting its findings to the Finance Division within three months.
In addition, the AGP report also flagged irregularities in PTA’s hiring practices, citing non-compliance with federal and provincial quota rules, particularly regarding Sindh’s urban and rural allocations.
