WISPAP seeks extension for VPN registration deadline

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 29 November 2024 |  JP Staff Report

WISPAP has formally requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the VPN registration deadline. The association aims to support users adapting to updated regulations.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) on Friday urged the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for registering Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

The request comes after Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, Major General (Retd) Hafeezur Rehman, informed the Senate’s Standing Committee on Information Technology that all non-registered VPNs would cease to function in Pakistan after November 30.

In its letter to the interior ministry, WISPAP highlighted that an extension would facilitate compliance among users who are only now adapting to the newly simplified VPN registration process.

VPNs are commonly used to access restricted or blocked content. Their use in Pakistan has surged following the intermittent bans on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter).

The association emphasized that extending the deadline would align with the government’s objectives while ensuring greater adherence to the VPN registration framework.

KEY POINTS:

• WISPAP urges extension for VPN registration deadline.
• PTA chairman announced all non-registered VPNs will cease functioning post-November 30.
• The request aims to facilitate compliance among VPN users in Pakistan.
• VPN usage has surged due to intermittent bans on social media platforms.
• Extended deadline would support government objectives for VPN registration.