ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced new guidelines for Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, allowing internet users to access secure and lawful VPN connections through licensed providers. This comes under the reinstated Class Value Added Services (CVAS-Data) licensing framework.
Several companies, including Alpha 3 Cubic (Steer Lucid), Zettabyte (Crest VPN), Nexilium Tech (Kestrel VPN), UKI Conic Solutions (QuiXure VPN), and Vision Tech 360 (Kryptonyme VPN), have received Class Licenses to offer VPN services to individuals and organizations for legitimate purposes. Internet users no longer need to register their IP addresses or mobile numbers separately with PTA to use these services.
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The PTA emphasized that licensed VPNs will enhance cybersecurity, promote lawful online connectivity, and reduce risks associated with unregistered VPNs. The move is part of the authority’s broader strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and national cyber defence.
This initiative also comes amid warnings from Google about growing cyber threats, including malicious apps masquerading as VPN services to steal user data. PTA’s licensing framework aims to ensure that users can safely access VPNs without falling prey to such cyberattacks.
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The PTA said the new framework promotes regulatory facilitation, user convenience, and safer online experiences, marking a significant step toward modernizing Pakistan’s internet governance.