The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a list of authorised VPN service providers, marking a significant shift in digital regulation in Pakistan. The move emphasises that users must now choose from licensed VPN providers rather than relying on unverified services.
According to the regulator, the listing of approved VPN providers means that individuals and organisations can access services lawfully and securely via those vetted operators. The word “VPN service providers” appears early in the list and will remain central to the new regulatory framework.
The authority has granted class‑licenses under the CVAS‑Data regime to 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) and Vision Tech 360 (Pvt.) Ltd. (Kryptonyme VPN).
Under the updated regulation, VPN service providers will also cover services offered to freelancers, remote workers, and enterprises that previously registered their VPN IP addresses or mobile numbers with PTA. The regulator says this step simplifies access and eliminates separate registration for each user.
While the focus is on licensed VPN service providers, the broader context includes the telecom authority’s crackdown on unauthorised services and grey‑traffic networks. These enforcement actions recently targeted illegal SIM sellers and unmonitored networks.
Digital rights advocates say the listing of VPN service providers is a double‑edged sword: on one hand, it provides clarity and security for users, on the other, it raises concerns about state oversight of encrypted traffic. Yet regulators contend the move will reduce risks associated with unverified providers and bring the service into a lawful framework.
For consumers and enterprises in Pakistan, the message is clear: use only the authorised VPN service providers listed by the PTA, and ensure compliance with updated licensing requirements. The era of unregistered VPN providers is drawing to a close.
