He stated that PTA has not blocked any VPN, and has no intention to do so in future.

Speaking at the ceremony of launching of the PTA’s 2024 annual report, Rehman addressed the concerns, repudiating the rumours regarding potential VPN restrictions.

PTA Chairman dismissed the reports of blocking VPNs in Pakistan, stating that the body has no plan to ban VPNs.

“We have said it before, and I repeat it now, we could block VPNs, but we won’t. To date, no VPNs have been blocked,” PTA Chairman reiterated.

He highlighted the transparency of the PTA’s operations, saying that the days of things being done tacitly are gone.

“Those days are over when we could hide something and it would remain hidden. When questions arise about internet shutdowns in the name of national security, we often lack satisfactory answers,” he added.

He acknowledged that the PTA does not have an answer regarding shutdown of internet. Rehman said that questions pertinent to national security should be directed to policymakers.

It is worthy to note that the PTA has reported more than 1000 fake IDs and nearly 40 hacked accounts to Meta this year. These fake accounts were involved impersonating politicians, and government officials.