Pakistan Blocks Major VPN Services Under New Licensing Rules
Published
Key Takeaways
- Legal Interception: Licensed VPNs must provide hardware access to security agencies, giving authorities control over user traffic.
- VPN Licensing Rules: Pakistan blocks major VPNs like Proton and NordVPN under new government licensing framework for internet access.
- Industry Impact: Restrictions raise concerns for digital freelancers, software exports, and overall access to uncensored global services.
Pakistan has started blocking several popular Virtual Private Network (VPN) services under a new government licensing system. Over the past two weeks, many users across the country have reported that their VPN connections suddenly stopped working.
According to local media reports, the blocking began around December 22, 2025. VPN services affected include Proton VPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Mullvad, Cloudflare WARP, and Psiphon. Internet providers across Pakistan appear to be enforcing the restrictions nationwide.
The move marks a significant expansion of state control over encrypted internet access in the country.
New VPN Licensing Framework Explained
The VPN blocks follow the enforcement of a new licensing policy by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The policy falls under the Class Value Added Services (CVAS-Data) regulations, which were formally enforced in November 2025, almost a year after being quietly introduced.
Under these rules, any VPN provider that wants to operate legally in Pakistan must obtain a license from the PTA. As part of the process, companies are required to install “Legal Interception” compliant hardware. This equipment must be handed over to nationally authorized security agencies whenever demanded, and the cost must be borne by the VPN provider itself.
Any VPN service that is not officially licensed can be blocked by local internet service providers. In effect, only VPNs approved by the government are allowed to function.
The PTA has described the licensing system as a step toward regulatory facilitation, user convenience, and stronger cybersecurity. In mid-November, the authority announced that five local companies had already been approved to offer what it called “secure and lawful” VPN services.
Limited Workarounds Still Exist
Despite the widespread blocking, not all VPN access has been completely cut off. Some services still offer technical features that help users bypass restrictions.
For example:
- Proton VPN offers a Stealth protocol
- Mullvad VPN supports QUIC and WireGuard obfuscation
- IVPN provides V2Ray and Obfsproxy options
When enabled, these tools can sometimes help users connect, though success varies depending on the network.
Concerns Over Privacy and Internet Freedom
Digital rights advocates say the licensing system raises serious concerns. Critics argue that by forcing VPN companies to operate within Pakistan’s legal framework, the government gains direct control over their infrastructure and data handling.
Under this model, privacy tools are allowed only with state approval. A limited set of licensed VPNs, fitted with interception capabilities, could become part of a broader digital monitoring system.
Pakistan has previously attempted to ban or restrict “unregistered” VPNs but faced legal challenges and technical hurdles. The new licensing framework avoids those issues by creating a closed market, where only pre-approved VPNs can operate at all.
This move also fits into a wider trend of tighter online controls. Access to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) has been disrupted multiple times, and the country has expanded its digital surveillance capacity with assistance from foreign technology suppliers.
Political and Industry Reaction after Pakistan Blocks VPNs
The opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), founded by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, strongly criticized the VPN blocks. The party accused the government of censorship and warned that the restrictions would further isolate citizens from independent sources of information during a period of political tension.
In the past, efforts to limit VPN use have resulted in slow connections, disrupted communication with international clients, and uncertainty for companies working on foreign contracts. Industry representatives fear that the latest restrictions could once again harm Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
As enforcement continues, many users remain unsure which online tools will continue to work, and under what conditions, in the weeks ahead.
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