The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially released a list of licensed Virtual Private Network (VPN) providers that Pakistanis can now use legally. This move comes under the reinstated Class Value Added Services (CVAS-Data) licensing regime, signaling a major shift in regulating VPN usage in the country.
VPNs have long been popular among Pakistani internet users for privacy and access to global content. However, unregistered VPNs posed security risks and often violated national data protection policies. To address this, the PTA has introduced a structured licensing system, ensuring secure and compliant internet usage.
According to the PTA’s statement, the following companies have been granted licenses to operate in Pakistan:
Licensed VPN providers can now offer services to individuals and organizations without requiring users to register their IP addresses or mobile numbers with the PTA. This change simplifies access to VPNs and reduces regulatory hurdles for both consumers and businesses.
“This initiative is part of our broader effort to ensure a secure, lawful, and transparent digital environment in Pakistan. Users can now access reliable VPN services through authorized providers, minimizing risks associated with unregistered services,” the PTA noted.
By facilitating legitimate VPN access, the PTA aims to enhance cybersecurity while promoting convenience for internet users across Pakistan.