The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has received applications from two more companies seeking registration as VPN service providers. This follows the earlier issuance of licenses to two other companies under the class license for data services.
PTA plans 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 VPN services operate in Pakistan. However, any decision to restrict or block these services will be made by the federal government, according to PTA officials. They also clarified that the PTA does not currently have the capability to enforce the shutdown of VPNs.
The registration process for VPN service providers began in December 2024. Companies that obtain PTA licenses will be legally authorized to offer VPN services in Pakistan.
