The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has approached the Interior Ministry to request an extension for the VPN registration deadline, which is currently set for November 30.

According to PTA sources, the move comes in response to a request from stakeholders, who sought more time and a simplified procedure for registering VPNs.

The PTA revealed that over 200 VPNs are being registered daily while consulting stakeholders for their registration. The authority has announced that all unregistered VPNs will be blocked starting December 1, as per the Interior Ministry's directive. However, the final decision regarding the deadline extension rests with the Interior Ministry.

Also Read: PTA launches second trial to block illegal VPNs

On Nov 24, the PTA commenced a second trial aimed at blocking unregistered and illegal VPNs in the country. The two-day exercise involved simulating the closure of unregistered VPNs using advanced firewall technology.

Sources within the PTA revealed that this trial was part of a broader initiative to regulate VPN usage and ensure compliance with government policies.

Last week, the PTA made VPN registration mandatory for banks, embassies, IT firms, software houses, and freelancers in a bid to ensure better data security and uninterrupted internet access.

Also Read: PTA makes VPN registration mandatory for banks, IT firms, freelancers

According to a statement, the meeting focused on the registration and facilitation process of VPNs. PTA emphasized the importance of VPN registration for securing data and maintaining seamless access to the internet for businesses and individuals.

During the meeting, stakeholders discussed the need for improving the VPN registration process while ensuring business continuity and maintaining a secure online environment. According to the statement, VPN registration was made mandatory for software houses, IT firms, banks, embassies, and freelancers.