Pakistan to block unregistered VPNs again!

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has received applications from two more companies seeking registration as VPN service providers, following the issuance of licences to two companies earlier. These licences are being granted under the class license for data services.

PTA aims to register a total of seven VPN service providers by May. Once the registration process is complete, the government may consider blocking certain VPNs based on specific criteria.

Currently, around 40 VPNs are operating in Pakistan. However, the decision to block any of these VPNs will ultimately rest with the federal government, as confirmed by PTA officials. They also clarified that the PTA currently lacks the capacity to enforce the closure of VPNs.

The registration process for VPN service providers began in December 2024, and companies that are granted licenses by the PTA will be legally authorized to offer VPN services in the country.