Pakistan commences licensing for regulated VPN service providers

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially unveiled licensing virtual private network (VPN) providers under the reinstated Class Value Added Services (CVAS-Data) regime, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

In a statement, PTA said the initiative aims to simplify access to reliable VPN services while ensuring compliance with national regulations and data protection laws. The authority emphasized that the new system would promote cybersecurity, transparency, and regulatory ease in the country’s expanding digital space.

During the first phase of licensing, PTA issued CVAS-Data class licenses to five companies Alpha 3 Cubic (Steer Lucid), Zettabyte (Crest VPN), Nexilium Tech (Kestrel VPN), UKI Conic Solutions (QuiXure VPN), and Vision Tech 360 (Kryptonyme VPN). These firms are now authorised to provide VPN services strictly for legitimate and secure use.

PTA clarified that users can directly subscribe to VPN services through these approved providers without separately applying for registration of IP addresses or mobile numbers. This change, the authority noted, will enhance user convenience, reduce administrative barriers, and strengthen digital security across Pakistan’s communication networks.

Previously, freelancers and remote workers were required to register their VPNs individually with PTA, following concerns about misuse. 

However, last year, the government decided against a nationwide VPN ban after a legal review confirmed that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 does not grant the federal government authority to impose such restrictions.

Reporter: Ahmad Mansoor