Claims suggesting the PTA banned TikTok Live in Pakistan are misleading. The feature was never officially launched in the country.
The main TikTok application continues operating normally across Pakistan. However, TikTok itself restricts TikTok Live for users in the country.
Senior sources confirmed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) did not block TikTok Live in Pakistan. Instead, TikTok enforces the restriction at the platform level.
Did PTA Ban TikTok Live in Pakistan?
When TikTok returned after previous suspensions, TikTok Live remained unavailable. Therefore, Pakistani users never received official access.
TikTok has repeatedly clarified that TikTok Live is unsupported in Pakistan. Consequently, users cannot officially access the feature through the standard application.
Sources said some individuals still earn money through TikTok Live. However, they allegedly rely on unofficial methods to bypass regional restrictions.
Officials also said the State Bank of Pakistan could examine unchecked foreign income linked to such activities. Nevertheless, no official action has been announced.
How Are Creators Using TikTok Live?
Industry sources said some creators use different methods to access TikTok Live. These methods remain unofficial and unsupported by TikTok.
Reported techniques include using foreign SIM cards while staying in Pakistan. Others reportedly remove local SIM cards and connect through VPN services.
Some users also install modified TikTok applications to enable TikTok Live. Additionally, creators reportedly stream through TikTok Live Studio using foreign internet connections.
Meanwhile, claims involving non-PTA phones are also inaccurate. There is no evidence that unregistered devices automatically unlock TikTok Live.
Provincial assembly resolutions calling for a TikTok ban do not affect TikTok Live. Therefore, the feature remains unavailable because TikTok never officially launched it in Pakistan.
