ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecom regulator said on Thursday users can now obtain services from licensed Virtual Private Network (VPN) providers, announcing it has begun issuing permits under a reinstated licensing regime aimed at regulating secure Internet access in the country.

Last year, the government cracked down on the use of VPNs, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) directing businesses, freelancers and technology firms to register their VPNs to comply with national rules.

Authorities warned that unregistered VPNs would be blocked, saying the measure was needed to deter militants and other suspects who use VPNs to conceal their identities and spread “anti-state propaganda” or illegal content online. Digital rights activists, however, accused the government of using the regulations to curb online dissent and restrict tools that allow users to bypass Internet controls.

“The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has commenced the licensing of Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers under the reinstated Class Value Added Services (CVAS-Data) licensing regime,” the regulator said in a statement.

“This initiative aims to streamline the provision of secure and lawful VPN services in Pakistan while ensuring compliance with national regulations and data security standards.”

PTA said Class Licenses have been granted to 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).

“Users may now conveniently obtain VPN services directly from these licensed providers without the need to approach PTA for separate VPN registration of their IP addresses or mobile numbers,” it added. “This measure is aimed at promoting regulatory facilitation, user convenience and enhanced cybersecurity across Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.”

Pakistan saw a sharp rise in VPN use last year after the government blocked the social media platform X following allegations of rigging in the February 2024 general elections. The election commission and the caretaker government that oversaw the polls denied the claims.

Rights activists say the government’s tightening control over VPNs is part of broader digital restrictions, including the rollout of a nationwide firewall last year.