Pakistan’s telecom regulator has taken significant action on two separate fronts. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a new licensing system for VPN providers and cracked down on illegal SIM card operations.
In a series of coordinated raids, the PTA and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) targeted telecom franchises. The operations focused on outlets illegally issuing SIM cards using biometric verification scanners.
Raids were conducted in Shahkot, Haveli Lakha, and Yazman. The joint team seized a substantial quantity of suspicious SIMs and illegal activation equipment.
The operation led to multiple arrests across different locations. One franchise employee was arrested in Shahkot and Haveli Lakha. In Yazman, three individuals were apprehended. This group included the franchise owner and a manager.
The NCCIA has taken all seized items into custody as evidence. First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered, and further investigations are underway. These actions followed formal complaints from the PTA. The complaints highlighted illegal SIM activations through the official sales channel.
State Bank of Pakistan Shifts to VPN Access for Enhanced SecurityIn a separate development, the PTA has introduced a new licensing framework for VPN services. The initiative aims to streamline the provision of secure, lawful VPNs in Pakistan.
Several companies have already received Class Licenses under this framework. Licensed providers include Steer Lucid, Crest VPN, and Kestrel VPN.
Internet users can now obtain VPN services directly from these licensed providers. There is no longer a need for users to apply separately to the PTA for VPN registration.
The authority states that this move will facilitate regulatory oversight and enhance cybersecurity. It is designed to reduce risks associated with unregistered VPN services. This initiative coincides with global warnings about malicious VPN apps. Google recently highlighted the threat of malware disguised as legitimate VPN services
