Pakistan’s VPN policy threatens access for ordinary internet users

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) plans to enforce a new VPN policy starting November 30, limiting VPN registration to companies and freelancers using the service for commercial purposes. Ordinary users seeking VPNs for privacy or accessing restricted content will be excluded. This policy follows a directive from the Ministry of Interior citing security concerns, including terrorism and access to restricted content. Companies must register their VPNs by November 30 to avoid disruption. Critics, including Simon Migliano from Top10VPN, argue that the policy resembles China’s restrictive model, allowing only government-approved VPNs and blocking most consumer VPNs due to static IP requirements. A recent nationwide VPN disruption on November 10, which PTA attributed to a “technical glitch,” may have involved deep packet inspection to identify VPN traffic. Observers suggest the policy reflects the government’s intent to strictly regulate VPN use while recognizing its importance for Pakistan’s economy.