Pakistan is taking strong steps to improve digital security by tightening control over VPN services across the country. With the growing misuse of free and unverified VPNs, authorities believe stricter regulations are now essential for protecting both citizens and national cyber infrastructure.
In recent years, free VPN applications have quietly turned into major cyber threats. Many of these apps record user data, track online activity and sell sensitive information to unknown parties. Cybersecurity experts warn that such services create easy entry points for hackers, scammers, and foreign networks targeting Pakistan’s digital systems. Officials say these risks can no longer be ignored.
To counter these challenges, PTA has launched a regulated licensing framework for VPN service providers. Under this system, only those companies that meet security standards and follow national laws will be allowed to operate. The move aims to ensure that individuals, businesses and public institutions use only secure, monitored and legally compliant VPN connections.
The new framework also requires users to register their IP or mobile numbers before accessing approved VPN services. This measure is expected to reduce cybercrimes, block malicious networks and strengthen overall data protection. Authorities have indicated that unregistered VPNs may be blocked, and violators could face penalties or service restrictions.
Several countries including India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh already enforce similar rules to maintain digital safety. Pakistan’s shift toward regulated VPN usage aligns it with global cybersecurity practices and supports the vision of a secure and resilient Digital Pakistan.
With these reforms, the government aims to create an online environment where businesses can operate confidently, citizens can protect their privacy safely and national digital systems remain shielded from emerging cyber threats.
