The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology expressed serious displeasure over the closure of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in Pakistan, seeking a response from the attorney general and the interior secretary over it.
Chairperson of the committee, Palwasha Khan, warned that the issue could become political and create problems if mass protests erupted by millions of affected freelancers. She announced that the committee would recommend immediate action to resolve the issue and draft a letter to the prime minister.
"The internet is facing issues in the country, damaging people's businesses. Why is the state minister is not participating in the committee meeting and avoiding answering questions?" she asked.
Senator Afnanullah Khan said there were more than a million freelancers, adding that such a solution to the problem should be found that no one is rendered unemployed.
During a briefing to the committee, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Hafeezur Rehman stressed that the IT industry could not function without VPN. "The common man, freelancers and companies all need VPNs," he said. "The VPN registration policy was formulated in 2016. We have once again started registration of VPNs."
Also Read: Interior ministry directs blockage of unregistered VPNs; PTA to enforce deadline
He also reported that 25,000 VPNs had been registered, and companies on the whitelist will not face disruptions of in internet. He also informed the committee that more than 500,000 obscene websites had been blocked in the country that were accessed by 20 million people in a week.
"There are currently 27 top VPNs in Pakistan. VPN is an open sea for anyone to access anything," the PTA chairman told the committee. "Whenever the internet is shut down, the industry is hurt.
He also said that the internet service in Balochistan had been suspended due to security concerns after the Ministry of Interior wrote a letter to the PTA, as there was some operation going on in the province. "No one is calling me, we are suspending service at the request of the ministry," the told the committee.
He further briefed the committee that the PTA had invited over ulema and told them people were watching immoral content on the internet. "Help was sought from the ulema that whichever sites are blocked are accessed the most," he said.
The committee members then questioned the relationship between VPN and halal and haram, adding that it was a mockery of religion.
Senator Afnan stated that VPN blocking is the jurisdiction of the IT Ministry, asking how the Interior Ministry was writing letters about it. The committee then sought a response from the Interior Ministry in the next meeting on the issue of writing a letter regarding VPN closure.
Also Read: PTA makes VPN registration process ‘much easier’
"People have invested money and installed a firewall. Non-provision of internet is a violation of human rights" said Senator Kamran Murtaza, adding that the issue of internet shutdown has been going on since February 17.
He also questioned is the internet shut down in Balochistan for three days was also because of VPN usage.
Committee members debated the balance between curbing indecent content and ensuring internet freedom. Senator Afnanullah criticized selective restrictions, questioning why platforms like TikTok remain operational while others are blocked.
Committee members urged better coordination between the Ministry of IT, the Ministry of Interior, and the PTA. "VPNs are essential tools, not just for IT professionals but for businesses nationwide. The government must provide clarity and protect livelihoods," said Palwasha Khan.
Also Read: Pakistan’s IT exports jump 34.9%, surpass $1.2bn in 4 months
The committee also expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of IT’s absence at the meeting. "The State Minister’s absence reflects poorly on the ministry’s performance," added the chairperson.
The committee will seek responses from the Ministry of Interior in the next meeting and work towards a resolution that balances security concerns with the needs of Pakistan's IT sector.
