PTA Starts Blocking VPNs Nationwide

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has started blocking unregistered VPNs in Pakistan. Sources in PTA told ProPakistani that unregistered VPNs are being blocked through a firewall and are temporarily blocked for whitelisting.

PTA sources added that unregistered VPNs pose a security risk, as they can access sensitive data and illegal or objectionable content. The PTA is responsible for protecting public and organizational data and preventing access to illegal content.

According to PTA sources, VPN registration began in 2020, and over the last fourteen years, around 20,500 VPNs have been registered. More than 1,422 companies have registered VPNs so far.

Sources further added that the authority wants to speed up the VPN registration and whitelisting process. Countries like China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and others have blocked unregistered VPNs. The UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia also block unregistered VPNs, and some countries allow VPNs only for business use. PTA sources say there is no restriction on VPNs for business use in Pakistan.

Notably, users in Pakistan have been complaining about issues using free VPNs for several hours. Many users relied on free VPNs to access the social media platform X, but they are now complaining that free VPNs are not working.

It is noteworthy that Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has banned the use of X in Pakistan. However, he frequently violates this ban by posting on X using a VPN.

When PTA’s spokesperson was contacted regarding the VPN blockage, no response was provided to questions about the VPN shutdown.

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  • PTA sources told pro Pakistani?? Lol it’s a fake news just like the writer and the website, PTA clarifies they didn’t block it.

  • This is only due to PTI.
    But others people being affected too.
    20500 users have registered vpn, this is also misleading claim.

    Iran has bought firewall from China and have worst censorship than even from China.
    Irani govt failed to block VPNs.

    But jaisa k Pakistan mein her shakh per ulu betha hai,
    They think they can ban people to not to use VPN.
    They are only wasting people time to search and purchase or use free vpn.

    Foreign investors are already leaving this joker country.
    You are pouring oil in fire.


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