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Pakistan Begins VPN Registration Amid Widespread Internet Disruptions
The Pakistan government has announced the commencement of virtual private network (VPN) registration through a ‘one-window’ operation available on the websites of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB). This initiative comes at a time when the country is grappling with prolonged internet service disruptions, affecting millions of users nationwide.
Purpose of VPN Registration
According to the PTA, this move aims to facilitate businesses such as software houses, call centers, freelancers, and foreign missions/embassies by ensuring their operations remain legitimate, secure, and uninterrupted. The registration process has been streamlined, with over 20,000 IPs registered for VPNs since 2020.
Expert Insights
An IT sector expert highlighted that during instances of service blocks, such as on election day or during Muharram, those with registered VPNs would not be affected by the restrictions. This protection provides a crucial advantage for businesses and individuals relying on consistent internet access during critical periods.
Current State of Internet Services in Pakistan
Pakistan has recently experienced significant disruptions in its internet services, with X (formerly Twitter) remaining blocked for nearly six months. Since July, internet speeds have been reported to be up to 40 percent slower than usual, severely impacting the ability to send documents, images, and voice notes via WhatsApp, a platform extensively used by the Pakistani populace.
Digital rights experts suggest that the government may be testing a firewall, a security measure that monitors and potentially controls network traffic. However, the government has denied the installation of such a system, attributing the issues to other factors.
Official Statements and Clarifications
On August 15, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT questioned PTA Chairman Major General Hafeezur Rehman (retd) regarding the disruptions in social media services. State Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, later refuted claims that the government was intentionally slowing down or shutting down internet services, labeling these reports as incorrect.
In a subsequent meeting, Major General Rehman pointed to a “faulty submarine cable” as the cause of the slowdown, not government interference. This explanation came after the PTA acknowledged that repairs to the damaged SMW-4 submarine cable, responsible for the ongoing internet slowdown, are expected to be completed by early October 2024. While the AAE-1 submarine cable has been repaired, improving some aspects of internet performance, full restoration is still pending.
Looking Ahead
As the government continues its efforts to manage the country’s digital infrastructure, the registration of VPNs may become a vital tool for businesses and individuals seeking to navigate the uncertain landscape of Pakistan’s internet services. The prolonged disruptions underscore the importance of a robust and resilient IT infrastructure, one that can withstand both technical faults and regulatory challenges.
