Illegal VPNs in Pakistan are being exploited by terrorists, foreign intelligence networks, and cybercriminals, threatening national security, youth, and the digital economy. Learn why regulation and vigilance are crucial.
Pakistan has always been a nation guided by the principles of peace, coexistence, and mutual respect. The Qur’an reminds us, “And if they incline to peace, then incline to it also and rely upon Allah” (8:61). Yet, when its sovereignty is under threat, Pakistan rises with unwavering resolve, following the divine instruction: “And prepare against them whatever you are able of power…” (8:60).
This balance between peace and preparedness is not merely policy; it is a moral obligation reinforced by the Prophet ﷺ: “Tie your camel first, and then trust in Allah.”
In May 2025, Pakistan demonstrated once again that it can defend itself not only on conventional battlefields but also in advanced technological and cyber domains. Our scientists, defence institutions, and cyber experts showcased capabilities that left no doubt about the country’s readiness.
Yet, the nature of threats has evolved, shifting to cyberspace, where illegal VPNs have emerged as a major challenge.
Illegal VPNs in Pakistan are no longer just a tool for privacy—they have become a covert network exploited by extremist groups, terrorists, and foreign intelligence agencies.
Recent investigations reveal that many anti-Pakistan accounts, previously assumed to be domestic, are actually controlled from India and Afghanistan, often linked to hostile networks such as RAW.
These illegal VPN networks allow propaganda campaigns, coordination of attacks, and dissemination of misinformation while evading law enforcement, directly threatening national stability.
The impact of illegal VPNs extends beyond security. They expose Pakistani youth to violent content, adult material, gambling platforms, and unregulated communities, eroding social values, family structures, and educational integrity.
The Qur’an emphasizes the importance of protection, warning: “O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is people and stones” (66:6). Today, safeguarding citizens from the dangers of illegal VPNs is part of fulfilling this divine directive.
Cybercrime is another dimension of the threat. Illegal VPNs facilitate identity theft, ransomware attacks, hacking, online fraud, and political manipulation, allowing actors to distort public narratives anonymously.
Economically, these networks enable tax evasion, digital piracy, and unfair access to international marketplaces, weakening Pakistan’s digital economy. Malware, phishing attacks, and foreign intrusions exploit VPN-masked traffic to bypass national firewalls, making the country vulnerable to both corporate and governmental breaches.
The solution is not to ban technology, but to regulate it intelligently. Pakistan must implement mandatory registration of all VPNs, permitting only authorized and traceable services for legitimate use.
A national cyber-monitoring authority should operate continuously, working alongside intelligence agencies, FIA, PTA, and financial regulators to dismantle illegal VPN networks. Public awareness campaigns are essential, particularly targeting youth, to promote responsible digital behaviour and discourage the use of unregistered VPNs.
Investment in domestic cyber expertise will further strengthen Pakistan’s digital defences, ensuring the country can safeguard its online frontiers as effectively as it defends its borders on land.
Pakistan remains a peace-loving nation, but it never hesitates to protect its sovereignty and dignity. As the Qur’an states, “Allah loves those who fight in His cause in ranks as though they are a solid structure” (61:4).
In today’s era of digital warfare, illegal VPNs have become a silent but potent threat. With vigilance, unity, and decisive action, Pakistan can secure its digital landscape, protect its citizens, and uphold its national security in an increasingly connected world.
Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal serves as the Director General (Research) at the National Assembly Secretariat, Parliament House, Islamabad. With extensive experience in legislative research and policy analysis.
