PTA dismisses reports of VPN ban; rejects audit report corruption allegations

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has assured that it has no intention of banning Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in the country. PTA made these remarks while reiterating commitment to fostering growth in Pakistan’s digital and IT sectors.

The clarification came during a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, where concerns were raised about potential restrictions on online access and digital privacy.

Also read: PTA chief denies blocking VPNs, highlights telecom growth

Media reports said that PTA officials agreed on wide usage of VPNs for legitimate purposes such as secure communication, data encryption, and accessing remote business networks. They also agreed that imposing a blanket ban would not only be technically challenging and ineffective but could also harm businesses that depend on global digital connectivity.

Rather than restricting tools essential to modern communication, our priority is to support and expand Pakistan’s IT ecosystem, a PTA representative told the standing committee. He also outlined ongoing efforts to enhance digital infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and promote innovation across the tech sector.

This is not the first time when PTA has denied reports of a VPN ban. Earlier in December, PTA Chairman Maj-Gen (retd) Hafeezur Rehman had said that no VPNs have been blocked in the country. “While we have the ability to block VPNs, we have no intention of doing so. In fact, we have extended VPN registration to mobile phone numbers as well,” he had said.

AGP FLAGS MILLIONS IN IRREGULAR ALLOWANCES PAID BY PTA

In a related development, the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has raised objections over Rs 17.2 million in allowances and rewards paid to the PTA chairman and members, during the 2023–24 fiscal year. The audit report has termed the payments irregular and beyond the approved salary packages.

The audit report also said that these payments, including Eid rewards and proficiency incentives, exceeded the limits set under MP-I and MP-II pay scales.

PTA, in response, has maintained that the allowances were issued in line with Finance Division guidelines. This claim was rejected by the auditors.

Also read: SECP accused of irregular pay raises and misuse of funds

The matter is now under review by a committee formed by the Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC), which has been directed to submit findings to the Finance Division within three months.

Separately, the AGP also flagged irregularities in PTA’s hiring practices, noting a failure to comply with federal provincial quota rules during recent recruitments, particularly for Sindh’s urban and rural seats.