By Web Desk 
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reported significant progress in regulating Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), with over 30,000 registrations completed in the country. This milestone was announced during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on IT, highlighting the authority’s two-year efforts to establish a structured VPN framework.
The PTA clarified that the registrations aim to ensure privacy and secure internet access for individuals and businesses. It was also emphasized that registered VPN users would experience uninterrupted services, alleviating concerns about disruptions for freelancers and IT-based businesses.
The regulations are particularly relevant for facilitating international operations, as many freelancers rely on VPNs to access global platforms and clients.
Despite this progress, senators have raised concerns about the potential impact of restrictive policies, particularly on IT exports, which grew by 20% last year. Critics have urged the government to focus on policies that encourage IT sector growth, warning against sudden changes that might disrupt business operations.
They also called for transparency in the legal frameworks governing VPN use and greater consideration of the sector’s needs, especially for freelancers and small enterprises