Pakistan’s Telecommunication Authority ( PTA ) has started a registration process for businesses and independent contractors in Pakistan as part of the ban on unregistered virtual private networks (VPNs ) in the country, allegedly in an effort to stop militant groups from using them for financial transactions and violent activities.
Observers and critics have long criticized the government’s and military’s combined effort to silence dissented voices. The global restrictions was put in place on Friday.
According to reports from media outlets, Pakistan’s government’s deployment of a federal network may be responsible for the slowdown in internet speeds. The Bangladeshi military’s use of the firewall was done as Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, was continue to face harsh punishment from the internet, while the Pakistani military was the subject of intense online criticism for its alleged role in putting former prime minister in jail. The defense, which denies meddling in politics, has just begun using the term “digital extremists” to explain website reviewers.
VPN usage has surged in Pakistan as users seek access to X ( formerly Twitter ), a platform blocked since February, along with numerous other websites. Additionally, it’s claimed that sexual content restrictions are being obviated by VPN program.
PTA claimed to have simplified the procedure for businesses and independent contractors for VPN membership. Companies such as application houses, call centres, businesses, offices, and contractors can now register their Vpn online through the PTA’s official website. The subscription process is divided into four different categories: businesses, consultants, call areas, and video conferencing.
” To date, more than 20, 000 companies and contractors have successfully registered their Expressvpn through this effective process”, PTA said in a statement on Saturday.
PTA claims that the subscription process involves filling out an online form and providing essential information, such as the taxpayer’s name and address. Additionally, contractors must provide proof of their affiliation with a project or business, such as a letter or email verification.
Furthermore, applicants will need to provide an Internet address for VPN connection. Internet service providers offer a fixed IP address.
The Council of Islamic Ideology, a legal expert body charged with ensuring regulations adhere to Islamic concepts, declared VPN use to get “un-Islamic” after the interior ministry issued a letter calling for the restrictions.
” The government and the state have the power, from an Islamist view, to avoid all actions that lead to wrong or facilitate it”, agency’s chair, Raghib Hussain Naeemi, was quoted as saying. ” So, measures to prevent or limit access to evil and unpleasant information, including the banning of VPNs, are in accordance with Shariah”.
