Ban on VPN use in Pakistan challenged in court

ISLAMABAD: A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging the ban on Virtual Private Networks (VPN) in the country.

The petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) by citizen Mubashir Qayyum. The petition named the federal government, represented through the Ministry of Interior, and the PTA as respondents in the case.

The petitioner argued that the federal government’s decision to restrict VPNs has directly affected him.

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He also highlighted the complete ban on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which the government justified as a measure to curb misinformation and maintain public order. Citizens relied on VPNs to access the platform.

According to the petition, on November 15, the federal government instructed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block unauthorized VPNs.

The petitioner contended that this ban disrupts the balance between security measures and fundamental citizen rights.

The plea called for the nullification of the November 15 notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, deeming it a violation of basic rights. It also requested the court to suspend the implementation of the notification.