Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) chairman Maj General Hafeezur Rehman briefed the Senate’s Standing Committee. Furthermore, he sought to limit VPN usage in Pakistan. Maj General Hafeezur Rehman sights on whitelisting a few Proxy servers while blacklisting others.
It is pertinent to note that VPN usage has increased since X’s (formally Twitter) ban in Pakistan. Furthermore, independent observers, Top10VPN noted an increase in VPN usage in Pakistan, since February 19, two days after X’s ban. In addition, VPN usage has increased by 131 percent.
Meanwhile, Surfshark, another international observer noted an increase in VPN usage. Pakistan’s VPN usage increased by 300-400 percent, immediately after X’s ban.
Furthermore, PTA noted a decrease in the numbers for X’s use, by 70 percent. Only 20 percent usage through VPN.
Also Read: PTCL Users Cite Internet Disruption
However, it is also important to note that VPN is an important tool for the IT industry in Pakistan. Data presented cited 132 million Pakistanis who used social media for business purposes. Farooq Hamid Naek cited international law to justify social media taxation.
