ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially started issuing Class Licenses for Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers, allowing them to operate legally within the country.
A Class License permits multiple users to operate under a general set of conditions without requiring individual approvals. Since December 2024, PTA has resumed granting these licenses specifically for VPN providers. All entities offering VPN and related services must obtain this license to comply with national regulations.
Approvals & Objectives
In a press release issued Monday, PTA confirmed that it has approved two companies for Class Licenses to provide VPN services.
“This initiative enables businesses to use VPNs lawfully, ensuring data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance while promoting transparency in online activities,” the statement said.
PTA reaffirmed its commitment to helping organizations meet their connectivity needs responsibly.
Background & Regulatory Efforts
In December 2023, PTA devised a new strategy to register VPNs after previous attempts to enforce compliance proved ineffective. Initially, the telecom regulator planned to ban VPNs due to the lack of legal oversight, but later reversed the decision.
VPN Use in Pakistan
VPNs are commonly used worldwide to access restricted content. In Pakistan, many internet users rely on VPNs to access platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and other blocked websites.
With this licensing initiative, PTA aims to regulate VPN services, balancing security, compliance, and digital access in the country.
