ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecom regulator has decided not to block unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) despite an earlier deadline expiring on November 30, media reported on Saturday.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had asked businesses, freelancers and information technology (IT) companies to register their VPNs by the end of November to ensure compliance with government regulations.
While the original deadline ended on Saturday, officials say there will be an extension, though it remains unclear what the new deadline will be.
“VPNs are not being blocked starting today, and the decision to extend the registration period is with the Ministry of Interior,” PTA Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeez Rehman told Independent Urdu.
Another PTA official, speaking to the same publication, said blocking VPNs was not a viable idea for now.
In recent years, Pakistan has implemented measures to control online content, including social media restrictions, drawing criticism from digital rights activists, who argue that such policies suppress free speech and hinder access to information.
In February 2024, following the general elections, Pakistani authorities imposed a nationwide restriction on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, citing national security concerns.
The move coincided with widespread concerns about alleged electoral fraud and vote manipulation.
The recent crackdown on VPNs has also impacted businesses, particularly in the IT sector, which rely on unrestricted Internet access.
The PTA chairman clarified on Saturday that VPNs were still operational, emphasizing the authority’s awareness of the IT industry’s reliance on them.
“So far, 25,000 VPNs have been registered, and those registered will continue to work,” he said.
Pakistan telecom regulator delays ban on unregistered VPNs after deadline passes — media
https://arab.news/cr2px
Pakistan telecom regulator delays ban on unregistered VPNs after deadline passes — media
- Crackdown on VPNs can impact businesses that rely on unrestricted Internet access
- PTA has not given a new deadline, says only 25,000 VPNs have so far been registered
Pakistan capital market transitions to T+1 settlement cycle ahead of multiple advanced markets
- A T+1 settlement cycle means that securities transactions are finalized and settled one business day after trade date
- Effective from Feb. 9, all eligible trades at the PSX are now settled on a T+1 basis, replacing the previous T+2 cycle
KARACHI: Pakistan’s capital market has officially transitioned to the Trade plus one (T+1) settlement cycle, a landmark reform that strengthens efficiency, reduces risk and aligns the country with international best practices, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) said on Tuesday.
A T+1 settlement cycle means that securities transactions are finalized and settled one business day after the trade date, which reduces counterparty risk and improves capital efficiency in the exchange of funds and securities.
Effective from Feb. 9, all eligible trades at the PSX are now settled on a T+1 basis, replacing the previous T+2 cycle. The transition was implemented under the guidance of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) through close collaboration among all stakeholders, according to the PSX.
It aligns Pakistan’s capital market with leading markets such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Jamaica and China, which have already adopted shorter settlement cycles. Europe, the UK and Switzerland are set to follow by 2027. By moving early, Pakistan has demonstrated its commitment to modernization and investor protection.
“The transition to the T+1 settlement cycle brings important advantages for Pakistan’s capital market. It enables faster access to funds and securities, improving liquidity, while reducing settlement and counterparty risk through shorter exposure periods,” the PSX said.
“Quicker trade finalization enhances efficiency and the reform strengthens investor confidence, particularly among institutional and foreign investors. Together, these benefits support a stronger and more resilient market aligned with global best practices.”
Pakistan’s stock market has touched historic highs in recent months as broad institutional buying boosted investor confidence amid ongoing economic reforms under international lending programs. Pakistani state media reported in Jan. around 135,000 new investors had joined the PSX over the last 18 months.
SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu commended the PSX, the Central Depository Company and the National Clearing Company of Pakistan for the successful implementation of the T+1 settlement system.
“The reform brings Pakistan’s capital market at par with modern jurisdictions by accelerating trade settlement, reducing counterparty and market risks, and enhancing liquidity,” he was quoted as saying by the PSX.
“The adoption of T+1 will strengthen investor confidence and align Pakistan’s capital market with evolving international standards and global best practices.”
