The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman hoped that a large number of applications would be received for registration of a Virtual Private Network.
Speaking during the meeting of the Senate Standing on Information and Technology , the PTA chairman reaffirmed the authority’s stance on the registration of service providers. “We have taken a stand on the issue of VPN ban (in Pakistan), and I did not allow VPNs to be banned,” he added.
The PTA chairman said that the registration process for VPN service providers began on December 19, with two internet service providers already submitting their license applications.
Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman said that in a meeting with Pakistan Software Houses Association, he that international models be considered for VPN registration. The PTA has been in consultation with relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth registration process.
Earlier, the Council of Islamic Ideology chairman, Dr. Raghib Naeemi said VPN use is not inherently unlawful or un-Islamic, but its misuse for accessing illegal or unethical content is considered inappropriate.
