ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released new guidelines for internet users regarding the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services in the country, introducing a licensing framework to regulate and secure VPN usage.
According to an official statement, the PTA has begun licensing VPN service providers under the reinstated Class Value Added Services (CVAS-Data) framework. The initiative aims to ensure that VPN services in Pakistan are secure, lawful, and compliant with national data protection regulations.
Under this framework, PTA has granted Class Licenses to several companies, including:
- Alpha 3 Cubic (Pvt.) Ltd. (Steer Lucid)
- Zettabyte (Pvt.) Ltd. (Crest VPN)
- Nexilium Tech (SMC-Pvt.) Ltd. (Kestrel VPN)
- UKI Conic Solutions (SMC-Pvt.) Ltd. (QuiXure VPN)
- Vision Tech 360 (Pvt.) Ltd. (Kryptonyme VPN)
These licensed entities are now officially authorized to provide VPN services to individuals and organizations for legitimate purposes, ensuring compliance with Pakistani regulations.
The PTA clarified that users can now directly obtain VPN services from these approved providers without needing to register their IP addresses or mobile numbers separately with the authority.
According to the PTA, this step aims to promote regulatory facilitation, enhance user convenience, and strengthen cybersecurity within Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. Licensed VPNs are expected to reduce risks associated with unregistered and potentially unsafe services, while supporting secure online communication and data protection.
The announcement follows a recent Google advisory (November 2025) warning users about a surge in malicious apps posing as VPN services. These fraudulent apps, often disguised as reputable VPN brands or browser extensions, contain malware designed to steal personal data. Google urged users to verify the legitimacy of VPN services before installation and to download only from trusted, official sources.
With PTA’s new licensing framework in place, Pakistan aims to curb cyber threats, strengthen national cyber defence, and promote safe, regulated VPN use across the country.
