Pakistan Restarts VPN Licensing in Fresh Bid to Control Online Space

Why It Matters

By channeling VPN traffic through licensed providers, the government can more easily monitor and restrict online activity, threatening privacy and potentially stifling Pakistan’s growing digital sector. The policy signals a deeper push toward state‑controlled internet infrastructure, impacting both users and businesses reliant on unrestricted connectivity.

Summary

Pakistan’s telecom regulator (PTA) has issued the first licences to five domestic VPN providers, creating a state‑approved pool of services that can be used without individual IP registration. The licensing scheme is presented as a cybersecurity and user‑convenience measure, but it follows years of intermittent bans on unregistered VPNs and comes amid reports of a China‑backed “Great Firewall”‑style system. The move could force users to choose between licensed local VPNs, which may be subject to state surveillance, or risk disruption by continuing with foreign, unlicensed services. The rollout raises concerns that the PTA may block non‑licensed providers, tightening control over internet access for freelancers, IT firms, and the broader digital economy.