‘We Can Block VPNs, But We Won’t’: Why VPNs Have Become a Major Issue in Pakistan

Pakistan’s telecom regulator has sought to put an end to growing speculation around a possible crackdown on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), asserting that no VPN has been blocked in the country and there are no plans to do so in the future. The clarification comes amid intense public debate over digital surveillance, online freedoms, and misinformation.

Presenting the regulator’s annual report, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafizur Rehman said the authority possesses the technical capability to block VPN services but has consciously chosen not to exercise it.

“We have said this before and I reiterate it today — we can block VPNs, but we will not,” Rehman said, according to The Express Tribune. “To date, no VPN has been blocked in Pakistan.”

Why VPNs Triggered the Debate

VPNs have remained a contentious issue in Pakistan over the past several months due to government concerns over their misuse. Reports had earlier suggested that the PTA had initiated a VPN registration process, prompting fears that unregistered services could eventually be suspended.

While the initial registration deadline of November 30 was later extended, the government did not announce any fresh timeline for blocking or restricting VPNs, leading to widespread uncertainty among users, businesses, and digital rights activists.

Officials have argued that VPNs, if used irresponsibly, may enable access to illegal or harmful online content, especially on social media platforms. The government has also expressed concerns that VPNs could be misused for spreading misinformation or conducting unlawful activities online.

Monitoring, Not Blocking

Last week, the government stated that VPN registration was aimed at improving oversight and control of online activity, not at imposing a blanket ban. Authorities believe that formal registration could help curb the spread of fake news and enhance digital accountability without disrupting legitimate usage by businesses and professionals.

Despite these assurances, VPN providers maintain that their services are primarily designed to ensure privacy, cybersecurity, and safe internet access, especially for remote workers and corporate users.

Social Media Usage Adds to the Sensitivity

According to the PTA’s latest data, Pakistan has one of the fastest-growing digital populations in the region. Nearly half of the country’s population uses social media, with Facebook and YouTube emerging as the most dominant platforms.

• Facebook has over 60 million users in Pakistan
• YouTube attracts more than 70 million viewers
• TikTok had 54.4 million users as of January 2024
• Instagram recorded 17.3 million users, with men accounting for 64 percent

Overall, more than 70 percent of social media users are male, making online platforms a powerful force in shaping public discourse.

Balancing Security and Digital Freedom

The PTA’s statement appears aimed at reassuring users and businesses that digital access will not be abruptly curtailed, even as the government seeks tighter monitoring mechanisms. Analysts say the VPN debate reflects a broader struggle in Pakistan between national security concerns and the protection of digital freedoms.

For now, the regulator’s clear stance has calmed immediate fears, but VPN usage — and how it is governed — is likely to remain a sensitive policy issue in Pakistan’s evolving digital landscape.