The government has initiated the registration of virtual private networks (VPNs) as part of a “one-window” operation through the telecommunications regulator and the Pakistan Software Export Board website amid widespread and prolonged disruptions in internet services across the country, the Business Recorder reported.

In a statement, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) stated that the registration aims to support the “operations of software companies, call centres, freelancers, and foreign embassies, ensuring their activities remain legitimate, secure, and uninterrupted.”

The PTA noted that the registration process was ongoing and was being refined by the PTA, the IT ministry, PSEB, and P@SHA. Since 2020, it added that over 20,000 IPs have already been registered for VPN use.

To maintain secure and continuous online operations, users are required to register their VPNs at the following address: https://ipregistration.pta.gov.pk/.

The development comes after the government confirmed the installation of a web monitoring system to manage online content. Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Division formally informed the National Assembly of the system’s implementation.

The PTA has deployed the web monitoring system to manage online content. The Cabinet Division confirmed that the system has already begun blocking websites and applications within Pakistan.

According to the Cabinet Division, the PTA has blocked 2,369 URLs and 183 mobile applications through the web monitoring system. Sources indicate that the PTA is now self-sufficient in content blocking following the upgrade of the web monitoring system (WMS).

The blocked websites were reportedly involved in exposing citizens’ personal data while the blocked applications were linked to the public disclosure of citizens’ identification information.

More to follow…