Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) recently implemented the reinstated Class Value Added Services-Data regime, marking a major policy change for VPN use in Pakistan.
The goal is to bring transparency, cybersecurity compliance and data protection standards that align with national law into play.
PTA announced in an official statement that several firms have been granted Class Licenses by it to operate as authorized VPN service providers across Pakistan.
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These newly licensed entities include:
- Alpha 3 Cubic (Pvt.) Ltd (Steer Lucid)
- Zettabyte (Pvt.) Ltd (Crest VPN)
- Nexilium Tech (SMC-Pvt.) Ltd (Kestrel VPN)
- UKI Conic Solutions (SMC-Pvt.) Ltd (QuiXure VPN)
- Vision Tech 360 (Pvt.) Ltd (Kryptonyme VPN)
All these firms legally permit offering their services across Pakistani individuals as well as organizations alike.
PTA officials believe this regulatory framework will simplify registration for users. Individuals and businesses will no longer require separate PTA approval for VPN registration or IP whitelisting; rather, they can directly purchase VPN services from authorized providers and ensure smoother access while complying with Pakistan’s cybersecurity standards.
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The authority stressed that this step was part of a wider effort to reduce security risks posed by unregistered or illegal VPN usage, which may violate national data protection regulations.
The new licensing regime seeks to provide safe, legal and trackable communication channels for both corporate and personal internet users.
PTA hopes that by providing legal VPN services, they will foster user confidence in online privacy while assuring digital activities remain safe and accountable.
In addition, this initiative should assist Pakistan in meeting international cybersecurity governance standards as part of ongoing efforts to enhance digital resilience nationwide.
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Officials pointed out that Pakistan’s Class Value Added Services-Data Policy supports its rapidly developing digital economy by creating a safer online ecosystem and encouraging businesses to adopt lawful digital security solutions.
Furthermore, this measure assists government authorities in detecting and preventing misuse of encrypted networks for illegal activities.
Overall, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s move to license VPN service providers marks an essential step toward balancing secure connectivity with effective regulatory oversight, creating the foundation for more transparent and safe digital infrastructure in Pakistan.
