PTA chairman says no plan to ban VPNs

The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Hafiz Rahman, has reaffirmed that there have been no restrictions on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in Pakistan, and there are no intentions to implement such measures.

During the launch event for the PTA’s 2024 annual report, Rahman addressed the public's apprehensions regarding possible VPN limitations.

He remarked, “We have previously stated this, and I reiterate: while we can block VPNs, we choose not to. As of now, no VPNs have been obstructed.”

Rahman also highlighted the PTA's commitment to transparency, asserting, “The era of concealing information is behind us. When inquiries arise concerning internet shutdowns justified by national security, we frequently find ourselves without adequate responses.”

He urged that inquiries related to national security and internet accessibility should be directed towards policymakers.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a private service that encrypts your internet traffic and sends it through a different server.

This can help protect your privacy and security. However, there are some potential downsides to using a VPN, such as slower connection speeds and the possibility that your data is logged.