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The Best Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for Pakistan in 2024

If you're planning on spending time in Pakistan, it's critical to have a private, secure and reliable VPN to protect and enhance your internet connections. Here are my reviews of the top best VPNs for Pakistan.

Freedom House assigns Pakistan’s internet freedom a rating of definitely “not free”. The Pakistani government places limits on what types of internet content are available to users inside the country. Access to religious, political and social online content is limited, censored through government orders to Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Pakistani regulators have acquired sophisticated surveillance technology from other countries, including France and China, that allows them to monitor the internet, as well as phone calls. In November 2017, as protests by Islamists turned violent, the government blocked Facebook, Instagram and other social networks on certain mobile networks.

Can a VPN Help?

However, there is a way to get around virtual roadblocks and open access to an uncensored internet. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection (preventing the government from monitoring your online activities) and also opens access to blocked content via its IP address and location “spoofing” capabilities.

In this article, I’ll share with you the top seven VPNs to use from inside Pakistan.

How to Use a VPN in Pakistan

Each of the seven VPN providers I’ve included in this article work well from inside Pakistan, providing access to censored and blocked content, and protecting your online activities from prying eyes.

The use of a VPN is currently legal in Pakistan. However, when anticipating the use of a VPN inside any overly restrictive country, Pakistan included, I always strongly recommend purchasing a VPN subscription and installing the service’s apps on your devices before entering the country.

As a user who wishes to keep their online activities free from restriction and monitoring while inside Pakistan, you’ll want to follow these steps:

  1. Subscribe to a VPN provider.
  2. Download and install your VPN of choice’s app(s) to your device(s). (As mentioned previously, do this before entering Pakistani borders.)
  3. Log into the VPN provider’s network.
  4. Connect to a VPN server located anywhere outside of Pakistan’s borders.
  5. Enjoy your newfound online freedom.

Best VPNs for Pakistan

After running my top VPN providers through rounds of rigorous testing, I determined that the following VPN providers will offer the best protection for your online activities while inside Pakistan. Here is a short summary:

  1. NordVPN: Best VPN protection for Pakistan.This provider delivers some extremely fast connection speeds, which is important in countries like Pakistan, where the internet speeds are less than optimal. This provider offers features that are particularly useful in a country like Pakistan, such as Double VPN, connection obfuscation and kill switch options.
  2. Surfshark: The bargain-priced option in this bunch. The provider’s MultiHop server options, “Camouflage mode”, kill switch protection, DNS leak prevention and more combine to keep your Pakistani online travels incognito.
  3. ExpressVPN: Offers great reliability and security. This provider’s connection protection options are plentiful. They include a kill switch, DNS leak and IPv6 leak protection and more. The provider’s excellent global server coverage (which includes servers in Pakistan), gives you access to content all over the world.
  4. CyberGhost: Attractive option for new users. CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps provide access to servers around the globe, making it easy to successfully access blocked content while staying undercover. CyberGhost has servers in Pakistan.
  5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Excellent encrypted protection. This well-known VPN provider delivers access to much of the globe, protecting your online activities from outside monitoring.
  6. PrivateVPN: Good VPN protection. This provider delivers well-protected connections boasting above-average connection speeds. This makes PrivateVPN an excellent choice for staying in touch with the outside world.
  7. Atlas VPN: Reliable content access in the regions it covers. This provider’s global server network is a bit lacking, but it offers reliable access to geo-blocked content in the countries where it is located.

TRY THE #1 VPN FOR PAKISTAN RISK FREE

NordVPN offers a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial when you sign up on this page. You can use the VPN which we rated best for Pakistan without any restrictions for a month - ideal if you want to binge-watch your favorite shows while on a short trip.

There are no hidden terms, just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you, and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

For definitions of security features, such as connection obfuscation or IPv6 leak protection, refer to the “Glossary of VPN Security Terms” toward the bottom of this article. Or, check out my article about VPN security features.

I ranked the top VPNs for use inside Pakistan according to the following criteria:

  • Keeps no logs
  • Reliable connections
  • High encryption
  • Kill switch protection
  • Comprehensive global server coverage
  • Comprehensive multi-platform support
  • Top-notch customer support

Best VPNs for Pakistan – Summary table

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs below. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Pakistan.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivate Internet AccessPrivateVPNAtlasVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberGhost.comPrivate Internet Access.comPrivateVPN.comAtlas VPN.com
Ranking for Pakistan1234567
Server countries831009491846349
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Smart TVs RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TV's, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps73 Mbps39 Mbps100+ Mbps
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88%86%85%70%85%93%
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Smart TVs RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TV's, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV
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Here’s my list of the top seven VPNs for use in Pakistan.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is the best provider to use in Pakistan. It’s an excellent way to both protect and enhance your online activities while visiting or residing in Pakistan.

The provider offers full privacy protections for your online activities, keeping no records at all of its customers’ online antics. The provider’s cryptocurrency payment option keeps your payment info completely private.

NordVPN does a great job of delivering well-protected, reliable connections. Government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, connection obfuscation and automatic kill switch protection keep your online pursuits undercover.

Double VPN protection routes your connection through two VPN servers, further anonymizing your online travels.

While offering the usual “no server logs” promise and also accepting cryptocurrency as payment, the provider also takes other steps to protect your privacy.

First of all, NordVPN’s owned-and-operated servers keep third-party folks away from your personal information. Plus, NordVPN servers are all run 100% only from volatile RAM, with no data ever being written to a physical hard drive. This means all data is securely wiped when a server is rebooted or shut down.

The provider’s connection speeds are incredibly fast, meaning you don’t have to worry about your connections being slow in a country like Pakistan, which is notorious for its slow connection speeds.

With over 5,400 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN provides access to a world full of content.

Multi-platform support is a plus at NordVPN, with apps for the iOS, macOS (with native M1 processor support), Windows, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire and Android TV device platforms. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions protect browser sessions.

If you need protection for other device platforms, or if you simply need to connect more than six devices at once, NordVPN’s optimal router support has you covered.

Customer support is well represented with live support chat, a searchable support library and an email support option.

Pros:

  • Excellent privacy and security protection
  • Double VPN and connection obfuscation for added
  • Lightning-fast protected connection speeds
  • 6 simultaneous connections allowed
  • Low price

Cons:

  • Streaming-optimized servers not labeled in apps

BEST VPN FOR PAKISTAN:Delivering fast, well-encrypted connections, NordVPN is the best VPN available to protect your Pakistani internet activities. The Double VPN and connection obfuscation features are much appreciated. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark provides excellent online privacy and protection while inside Pakistani borders, and it doesn’t charge an arm and a leg for it.

The provider does a top-notch job of protecting their users’ privacy, with a strict no-user-logs-ever policy and a private cryptocurrency subscription payment option.

Surfshark’s reliable connections are protected by military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS leak prevention. Ad and tracker protection are also available, as well as phishing and malware protection.

“Camouflage Mode” disguises your VPN activity as normal server traffic, while a “MultiHop” feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers to offer added encryption and anonymity.

The provider follows a strict no logs policy when it comes to its servers, and also accepts cryptocurrency to keep your payment info private.

Surfshark’s connection speeds are the fastest of any of the VPNs on this list, making it an optimal option if you’re concerned that your usual connection speeds are already very slow.

Surfshark’s global server network includes 3,200+ servers stationed in over 65 countries, providing access to most of the world.

The provider offers app support for most popular device platforms, including the iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, macOS (with native support for Apple Silicon) and Amazon Fire TV platforms. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is compatibility with numerous router makes and models.

The provider has an unlimited concurrent connections policy, so users who need coverage for large groups of users and/or devices should keep that in mind.

The provider offers around-the-clock customer support, with always-available live support chat, email support, a “contact us” form and searchable support library.

Pros:

  • Servers provide reliable access to the outside world
  • Bargain-basement pricing
  • No limit on concurrent connections
  • Top-notch online security and privacy protection

Cons:

  • Few advanced options for advanced users

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark provides excellent VPN protection at a reasonable price, making it an excellent option for budget-minded users. Many users will appreciate the unlimited simultaneous connections allowance the provider offers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN offers wide global server coverage, making it an excellent option if you want to both protect your connections and access online content in other countries.

This provider keeps no logs of any kind, meaning there are no records related to any of your online activities. Plus, an anonymous Bitcoin payment option allows you to keep your account completely incognito.

ExpressVPN runs all of its servers using its own “TrustedServer” technology, which runs all server operations 100% from RAM. No data is ever written to a physical hard drive, so all data is securely wiped from any ExpressVPN server whenever it is rebooted or turned off.

The reliably fast connections that ExpressVPN offers are well protected by military-standard 256-bit AES encryption and automatic kill switch, IPv6 leak and DNS leak protection.

With over 3,000 servers well spread out around 94 countries, ExpressVPN offers plenty of content-unblocking power, no matter where your favorite content is housed.

ExpressVPN offers excellent native app support, as they provide apps for the Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, Amazon Fire, Chromebook and Nook platforms. Browser extensions provide protection for the Chrome, Edge and Firefox platforms.

The provider’s extensive router compatibility protects all of the rest of your devices, and additional devices if you need more than 5 simultaneous connections.

If you require a bit of assistance from time to time, never fret. ExpressVPN’s support department offers around-the-clock support, with 24/7 live chat, email support, trouble ticket tracking and a searchable support library.

Pros:

  • Total privacy protection
  • Reliable, well-protected connections
  • Optimal global server coverage
  • Excellent app support

Cons:

  • More expensive than other providers
  • Only five simultaneous connections allowed

GREAT CONTENT-UNBLOCKING POWER:ExpressVPN not only protects your security and privacy, but it also unblocks content from all over the world thanks to its wide global server coverage. Its fast speeds also make it a great VPN for streaming. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.CyberGhost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps provide an excellent way for first-time VPN users to protect their Pakistan-based internet activities.

This provider helps keep your online activities private, thanks to its lack of server logs and the presence of a Bitcoin payment option.

The usual connection protections are available here, with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch protection, and much more.

Those well-protected connections provide fast connection speeds, and you’ll never have to worry about connection throttling and data caps.

CyberGhost’s global server network is made up of 7,900+ servers located in 90+ countries (including Pakistan). This includes streaming-optimized and downloading-optimized servers located in numerous locations around the globe.

Most of the major streaming device platforms are supported by the provider, thanks to its apps for Amazon Fire, Amazon Fire TV, Android, iOS, Android TV, Windows, Linux and macOS devices. Chrome and Firefox users can protect their browsing sessions, thanks to the availability of browser extensions.

CyberGhost is a good option for large families and small businesses thanks to its seven simultaneous connections allowance. You can also protect all of your other devices via a single access point, thanks to the provider’s excellent router compatibility.

Customer support is available round-the-clock at CyberGhost, with 24/7 support chat, a searchable support library and a trouble ticket tracking system.

In addition to easy-to-use VPN services, CyberGhost also offers other services and features, such as a password manager, warnings when your email address is revealed in a data breach, antivirus and spam protection for Windows users and more.

Pros:

  • Plenty of servers around the globe
  • Fast connections
  • No-logs to track you later
  • Easy-to-use apps

Cons:

  • Some advanced app features are missing
  • Issues working inside some restrictive countries

EASY-TO-USE VPN PROTECTION:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps, along with fast connection speeds, streaming-optimized servers and excellent online security protections offer an excellent way to protect yourself while online from inside Pakistan. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.privateinternetaccess.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Private Internet Access (PIA) delivers top-notch protected access to the internet from inside of Pakistan.

The provider’s strict no-logs policy, along with a welcome willingness to accept Bitcoin as subscription payment, keeps your privacy private.

PIA protects its customers’ connections by coating it in government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, while also providing IP/DNS leak prevention and a kill switch. The provider can also block ads, trackers, malware and malicious sites.

While not the fastest on this list, PIA’s connection speeds are fast enough to provide an enjoyable online experience, no matter what you’re into. No data caps or bandwidth restrictions are present.

The PIA global server network is made up of 3,300+ servers stationed in more than 80 countries. While that isn’t the best on this list, it will still do the job for many users.

The provider’s native app support includes options for the Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera and Firefox browser extensions are available, along with router compatibility.

PIA users can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices on a single user account.

PIA has you covered in the support department, offering a live support chat option, a trouble ticket form and a support library.

Pros:

  • Native apps for most popular connected devices
  • Comprehensive privacy and connection protection
  • Reliable access to content in 80+ countries

Cons:

  • No streaming-optimized connections
  • Doesn’t work in some countries

RELIABLE VPN FOR PAKISTANI USERS:Private Internet Access delivers reliable, well-protected access to content around the globe. Fast, well-protected connections for most popular devices offer an excellent online experience. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN offers reliable connection to the outside world, despite its rather low global server numbers.

No one will have success in requesting logs of your online activities, as they don’t exist, thanks to the provider’s no-logs policy. Subscription payment info can be kept totally incognito by using the provider’s Bitcoin payment option along with a disposable email address.

The provider’s fast, no data cap connections are protected by government-grade 256-bit AES encryption and kill switch protection. A Stealth VPN feature helps hide your VPN usage.

The provider’s total server count of 200+ is the lowest server count on this list. However, the provider has its servers well-located, as they are located in 66 countries around the world.

PrivateVPN’s Windows, macOS, Android and iOS apps allow users to simultaneously connect up to six of their devices on a single account. Users that require more connections or who are looking to protect devices outside of the four listed above can make use of the provider’s router compatibility.

24/7 live support chat, a “Contact Us” form, and a non-searchable FAQ section make up the provider’s support offerings.

Pros:

  • Offers comprehensive online protection
  • Fast connections
  • Up to six simultaneous connections

Cons:

  • Global server count definitely needs improvement
  • Multi-platform support only for top 4 device platforms

“STEALTHY” VPN PROTECTION FOR PAKISTAN:PrivateVPN provides secure access to geo-blocked numerous countries, providing “stealthy” connections for up to six devices at once. Although the provider’s apps are easy to use, they provide comprehensive protection. A seven-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee are available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

AtlasVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  https://atlasvpn.com/

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Atlas VPN is an excellent option for VPN protection from inside of Pakistani borders.

The provider never saves any server logs, ensuring there will be no evidence of your online antics. If you prefer to pay using cryptocurrency, you will need to look elsewhere.

All Atlas VPN connections are protected by banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch and other security measures. The provider’s proprietary Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus features protect you from various dangers online while also blocking those irritating ads.

Atlas VPN’s connections are some of the fastest I’ve seen, easily ranking in the top 10 and capable of handling popular online pastimes. No data caps and no bandwidth limitations to cut your fun short.

The provider’s global server network is the opposite of large, with just 750+ servers in 32+ countries. While I’d like to see some expansion in the department, the server network provides reliable access to geo-blocked content in the locations where servers are available.

Native app support from the provider includes apps for the Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. While Linux support, browser extensions and support for routers are nowhere to be found, the provider says that all three are on the way.

There are no limits on the number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to its servers.

Support-wise, a live support chat is available only to subscribers. Meanwhile, email, a contact form, and a support library are available to everyone.

Pros:

  • Fast connections
  • Comprehensive app support
  • Reliable online security and privacy

Cons:

  • No router, browser, or Linux support
  • Global server coverage could be much larger

UNLIMITED PROTECTION FOR PAKISTAN:Atlas VPN provides reliable protection and enhancement for all your online needs, on as many simultaneous devices as you’d like to connect. Global server numbers could stand a bump, and Linux, browser and router support would add to the provider’s value. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Pakistan

Your online security and privacy are under threat while in Pakistan, making VPN protections critical, while slow internet speeds mean finding a VPN with fast speeds is also critical. Basically, you need to be careful which VPN you choose, as not all VPNs will offer optimal performance in Pakistan.

Here, you’ll find the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN for Pakistan:

  • Security: A VPN should, at a minimum, protect its users’ connections with banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. Also look for advanced security protections, which many VPNs on my list offer, to further protect your internet connection while in Pakistan.
  • Privacy: Since Pakistan is not an extremely privacy-friendly place, protecting your internet privacy is an obvious priority. All VPNs on my list follow strict no-logs policies, so you don’t have to worry about them keeping logs of your online activities to share with interested third parties (like the Pakistani government).
  • Connection Speed: Internet speeds in Pakistan are slow, so choosing a VPN with reliably fast speeds is essential. Every VPN on my list scored extremely well in my most recent connection speed tests.
  • Server Network: Connecting to a VPN server outside of Pakistan is the best idea, so when a VPN offers a wide server network, you have a lot of choices. Also consider the number of servers that a provider offers in your preferred location. Many servers mean that no single server will be overloaded with users attempting to connect at once, slowing your speeds.
  • Value: You should always consider the price that a VPN asks and whether it makes sense for the features and functionality it offers. All of the VPNs on my list ask a price that makes sense for what they offer.
  • Ease of Use: Not only should a VPN offer apps for a variety of platforms, but those apps should be easy to use, so you don’t have to waste time unnecessarily while setting up the VPN and fiddle with settings in order to connect. The VPNs on my list offer easy-to-use apps for a large number of platforms.
  • Streaming: If you’re like most VPN users, it’s highly probable that you’re interested in streaming video content from international locations. Each VPN I include on my list offers reliable access to popular streaming sites, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and others.

Evaluating the factors above are just a small part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach helps me to better understand the VPNs and their services, allowing me to recommend only those that are a good fit for your needs.

Glossary of VPN Security Terms

Below, you’ll find simple explanations for the various security features that VPNs offer.

Auto-Reconnect: This feature automatically reconnects a device to a VPN server if the device’s connection to the VPN server is accidentally interrupted.

Connection Obfuscation/“Scrambling”: Specially designed OpenVPN servers use this process to bypass internet restrictions, hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN.

DNS Leak Protection: When you enter a website address (for example: www.pixelprivacy.com) in the address bar of your favorite browser, or click a link, the address is sent to a DNS server, which then looks up the numeric IP address for that domain name.

The request is then forwarded to the correct server, and the website loads in your browser’s window.

If your ISP’s DNS server is handling your VPN connection’s DNS requests instead of your VPN provider’s DNS server, this is considered a “leak” outside of your VPN’s encrypted tunnel of protection, and your online activities are open to monitoring. Learn more about DNS leaks.

IPv6 Leak Protection: An IP address is a series of numbers that identify your device (and location) to the internet. The number of internet-connected devices is rapidly growing, causing the current allotment of IPv4 IP addresses to run out, resulting in a need for IPv6 addresses, which allow for more addresses.

IPv6 addresses are relatively new, meaning compatibility issues can arise, making IPv6 leak protection important. If your VPN lacks IPv6 leak protection, any requests sent via an IPv6 address could leak outside of your encrypted VPN tunnel, possibly exposing your true location and online activities.

Kill Switch Protection: If your connection to a VPN server fails, your online activities could be exposed to prying eyes. A kill switch automatically disconnects your device from the internet, preventing your activities from being exposed.

Is a Free VPN a Good Option for Use in Pakistan?

No, nope, negative, nah, nyet, nae. Did you get all that?

Free VPNs are a bad idea no matter what online activity you’re attempting to protect. But, when you’re looking for protection from inside an overly restrictive country like Pakistan, a freebie VPN should be immediately discounted from the conversation.

“Free” VPNs simply do not do an optimal job of protecting your online activities and accompanying personal information from prying eyes.

Many sans-cost VPNs will monitor their users’ online activities, record them and sell the info to advertisers and other interested parties. This means they likely won’t put up much of a fight if the Pakistani government comes a-calling.

Those same VPN providers have also been found inserting advertisements and unwanted tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions.

Many VPNs that provide their services for free force you to sit in a virtual queue before allowing you to connect to their server network. Then, once you’re given the green light to connect, you’ll find that you’re automatically assigned a VPN server, or that your server selection options are severely limited.

In addition, freebie VPNs have been known to throttle their users’ connection speeds, or place monthly data caps or bandwidth limitations on their customers’ VPN usage.

Does any of this sound good to you? It doesn’t sound good to me.

Why Do You Need a VPN in Pakistan?

The Pakistani government employs strict filtering of internet content. Much of the filtered and blocked content involves news, human rights, any content critical of Islam, sex and nudity and circumvention and privacy tools (VPNs included).

The government routinely restricts availability of social media and communications platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is the government regulatory body for the internet and mobile communications industry. Internet freedom advocates and human rights groups have long expressed concerns about the agency’s lack of independence and transparency. 

From July to December 2017, 301 pieces of content were removed from Facebook due to requests from the PTA. During the same period, the PTA requested that Google remove 259 pieces of content. Of those requests, 52% were related to religious or blasphemous content.

In February 2018, 17-year-old Patras Masih was arrested for posting what the government said was “blasphemous content” on social media. If convicted, he could be sentenced to death. This means protecting yourself with a VPN could literally be a matter of life or death.

A VPN provides access to content that may be blocked from inside of Pakistan. A VPN also encrypts your internet connection, hiding your online activities from being monitored by the Pakistani government or ISPs.

Download a VPN App Before Entering Pakistan

As mentioned above, the Pakistani government routinely blocks access to circumvention and privacy tools. This includes blocking access to the websites of VPN providers.

This blockade is why I strongly recommend that you download and install your favorite VPN’s app(s) on your device(s) before you enter Pakistan.

Maximizing Your Privacy in Pakistan

When visiting Pakistan, do the following when connecting to the internet:

  • Start up your VPN app and enable all of the app’s protective measures.
  • If OpenVPN is an available option, use it.
  • Enable your VPN’s security features, which can include kill switch, auto-reconnect, connection obfuscation, “Double VPN” and others.

You can also maximize your anonymity by:

Are VPNs Legal in Pakistan?

Using a VPN is legal inside Pakistani borders.

However, you can be arrested for posting materials the government might consider dangerous or offensive. As previously mentioned, 17-year-old Patras Masih was arrested in February 2018 for posting “blasphemous content” on social media. He could face the death penalty.

Make sure that the VPN you use while in Pakistan makes privacy and security their top priorities. This will help ensure that none of your in-country online activities can be traced back to your device.

What Else Can a VPN Do?

In addition to offering optimal protection for your online activities and opening access to censored content, a VPN also offers other ways to enhance your online experience.

A VPN can also prevent your Internet Service Provider or local government from throttling your internet speeds when you’re accessing non-approved websites or social networks.

The same military-approved 256-bit AES encryption that prevents the Pakistani government from monitoring your online travels also prevents the bad guys from stealing your personal information when your device is connected to an unprotected public Wi-Fi hotspot like that found at your local coffee shop or hotel.

Pakistan VPN FAQs

What Is the Best Free VPN for Pakistan?

You should never use a free VPN in Pakistan. Not only do free VPNs make you wait in a queue, throttle your bandwidth and put a cap on your data usage, but they also monitor your online activities and sell them to the highest bidder. You wouldn't want that bidder to be the Pakistani government or a Pakistani internet provider. Stick with paid VPNs - you'll be glad you did.

What Is the Fastest VPN for Pakistan?

Surfshark offers some of the fastest connection speeds I've seen from any provider I've tested, and I've tested a lot of them. Even if your connection speeds in Pakistan are slow, Surfshark shouldn't slow them down too much further.

How Do I Use a VPN in Pakistan?

If you're currently outside of Pakistan, I would highly suggest subscribing to a VPN provider and downloading their app before entering the country, as their sites may be blocked from inside the country. Once you've downloaded their app(s) on your device(s), select a VPN server outside of Pakistan. Then you'll be able to access content and services in other countries.

Conclusion

When you’re faced with internet restrictions, such as those you’ll face in Pakistan, a VPN is your best bet for preserving your internet freedom.

A VPN – like the top VPN in this lineup, NordVPN – offers the best way to unblock blocked content, keep your online activities safe from observation and monitoring, and enhance your overall internet experience.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.

Roundup - best VPNs for speed

Position Our Score Verdict
1.
4.5/5
Verdict: Our top rated VPN
Get NordVPN »
2.
4.5/5
Verdict: Best budget option
Get Surfshark »
3.
4.0/5
Verdict: Great privacy options
Get ExpressVPN »
4.
4.0/5
Verdict: Highly versatile
Get CyberGhost »
5.
3.0/5
Verdict: Up to 10 devices
Get PrivateVPN »

PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can see these details about you:

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

By using a VPN you can hide these details and protect your privacy.

I recommend NordVPN - the top provider in my testing. It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link.

Visit NordVPN

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