Ban on all free VPNs is need of the hour for a secure digital Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan navigates a rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity experts and policy analysts are calling for an immediate nationwide ban on all free and unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), warning that these platforms have become a major threat to both national security and public safety.

According to officials familiar with the matter, free VPN services, often marketed as privacy tools, are now widely used by hackers, scammers, and even hostile foreign networks to bypass security filters, mask malicious activity, and infiltrate Pakistani digital infrastructure.

Experts say that unless strong regulatory action is taken, these loopholes could expose millions of citizens to data theft, financial fraud, and surveillance by unknown actors.

FREE VPNS: A HIDDEN CYBERSECURITY HAZARD

Cybersecurity analysts note that while many users turn to free VPNs to access restricted websites or hide their online footprints, these tools come with severe risks. Most free VPN providers secretly log user information, track browsing habits, and monetise personal data by selling it to third-party advertisers and foreign analytics firms. Some services have even been caught embedding malware into their applications, putting users’ devices at risk of hacking.

Unregistered VPNs also offer an easy pathway for cybercriminals. “These services provide complete anonymity to actors involved in scams, phishing networks, financial fraud, and anti-state activities,” said a security official. “This anonymity makes it incredibly difficult to trace hostile digital threats targeting Pakistan.”

CALL FOR STRICT PTA REGULATION

To counter these risks, experts argue that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) must enforce a strict framework that permits only licensed and security-vetted VPN services in the country. Under this proposed model, all unregistered or free VPN IPs would be systematically identified and blocked.

Analysts also recommend establishing penalties for individuals and businesses found using unauthorised VPNs. Consequences could include service suspension, financial fines, or even investigation in cases involving serious misuse. Businesses relying on unregistered VPNs, particularly call centers, software houses, and outsourcing firms, also risk legal trouble and potential operational shutdowns if found non-compliant.

PTA has already begun issuing licenses to VPN service providers, and several companies have successfully obtained approval under the new framework. According to the regulator, these licensed VPNs have undergone a rigorous vetting process, including background checks, security audits, and infrastructure verification. PTA officials say this ensures that approved services are free from the cybersecurity risks associated with free or unregistered VPNs.

The authority maintains that only security-compliant VPNs; those that meet national standards for data protection, encryption, and lawful use; will be allowed to operate in Pakistan. This, they say, will provide citizens and businesses with safe, reliable, and fully monitored connectivity options without exposing the country to digital threats.

NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS INTENSIFY

Officials warn that unsafe VPN usage weakens Pakistan’s national cybersecurity posture by creating blind spots that foreign adversaries can exploit. These blind spots allow hidden communication channels, encrypted data exchange, and unmonitored cross-border digital traffic, all of which pose serious risks to national defense systems.

Free VPNs are not privacy tools, they are vulnerabilities, a cybersecurity analyst said, adding that every unregistered VPN in Pakistan is a potential entry point for cyberattacks, malware distribution, and data breaches.

REGIONAL PRACTICES SUPPORT THE MOVE

Pakistan is not alone in considering such restrictions. Countries including India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bangladesh already impose strict limitations or outright bans on unauthorised VPN services as part of their national-security frameworks. These nations require businesses and individuals to use only government-approved VPNs that meet security standards.

Analysts argue that Pakistan must now follow the same model to maintain digital sovereignty and strengthen cyber defenses, especially as the country witnesses rising incidents of online fraud, ransomware attacks, and cross-border digital threats.

A SECURE DIGITAL PAKISTAN

Supporters of the policy emphasise that the goal is not to restrict online freedom but to promote a secure and responsible digital environment. Licensed and vetted VPN services, those with transparent ownership, data-protection mechanisms, and strong encryption, will continue to be allowed. These secure VPNs help protect users’ privacy, facilitate safe remote work, and ensure businesses can operate efficiently while safeguarding sensitive information.

However, experts warn that delaying regulatory action could allow cybercriminals to further exploit Pakistan’s digital vulnerabilities. A complete ban on free and unregistered VPNs, they argue, is now essential to safeguard citizens’ financial security, protect national data, and ensure a safer digital future.

As Pakistan advances toward a more connected economy, the push to regulate VPN usage has gained urgency. Cybersecurity specialists agree: enforcing licensed, secure VPNs is no longer optional. It is critical for protecting both the nation and its people.