Pakistan blocks over 1.4 million URLs and runs one of the most advanced censorship systems outside China. This guide covers the four best VPNs for Pakistan in 2026, with verified pricing, obfuscation settings, and step-by-step setup advice.
TL;DR: Best VPNs for Pakistan at a Glance
| VPN | Best For | Starting Price | Free Plan | Pakistan Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Most reliable bypass, easiest setup | $2.44/mo | No | ★★★★★ |
| NordVPN | Best security, largest server network | €3.09/mo | No | ★★★★★ |
| ProtonVPN | Best free option, strongest privacy | Free / €2.99/mo | Yes, unlimited data | ★★★★ |
| Surfshark | Best value for 5+ devices | $2.10/mo | No | ★★★ |
The single most important thing: Always enable your VPN’s obfuscation or stealth mode. Standard protocols get blocked. Obfuscated ones succeed around 80% of the time.
Want a free VPN right now? Download ProtonVPN, go to Settings, select Stealth protocol, and connect.
Want the most reliable paid option? ExpressVPN handles obfuscation automatically on every server with zero setup.
Always keep two VPN apps installed. No single provider works 100% of the time in Pakistan.
How We Tested: Pakistan Testing Methodology (February 2026)
Each VPN was tested across three Pakistani carriers — Jazz, Zong, and PTCL — using obfuscation or stealth protocols on a 25 Mbps base connection. We measured first-attempt connection success rate, average connection time, and download speed overhead.
| VPN | Carriers Tested | First-Attempt Success | Avg. Connection Time | Speed on 25 Mbps Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Jazz, Zong, PTCL | 100% | 3 to 5 seconds | 19 to 22 Mbps |
| NordVPN | Jazz, Zong | 95% | 6 to 9 seconds | 18 Mbps |
| ProtonVPN | Jazz, Zong, PTCL | ~60% on Zong, 90%+ elsewhere | 10 to 14 seconds | 11 to 15 Mbps |
| Surfshark | Jazz, Zong, PTCL | 70 to 80% | 12 to 18 seconds | 14 Mbps |
What Is Blocked in Pakistan in 2026?
Pakistan’s internet censorship is run by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) under PECA 2016 and its 2025 amendment. Over 1.4 million URLs are blocked in total, with around 110,000 new URLs added in the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year alone.
Amnesty International counted approximately 650,000 actively blocked links as of early 2026.
Which Social Media Apps Are Blocked in Pakistan?
- X (formerly Twitter): Blocked for 15 months, from February 2024 to May 2025
- Telegram: Inaccessible since October 2017
- Signal: Persistent disruptions throughout 2024 and 2025
- Bluesky: Blocked in November 2024
- TikTok: Five separate bans since 2020
Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp experience recurring throttling during political protests, particularly those involving PTI supporters.
Is YouTube Blocked in Pakistan?
YouTube endured a three-year ban from 2012 to 2016. It is accessible now, but 27 individual channels were blocked by court order in July 2025.
What Types of Content Does the PTA Block?
The PTA targets: blasphemy, political dissent (especially criticism of the military), LGBTQ+ content, pornography, gambling, and content classified as a national security threat.
Blocking decisions are made without public notification and with no formal appeals process.
The 2025 PECA Amendment: New Criminal Penalties
The 2025 PECA Amendment created the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA). It introduced criminal penalties of up to three years imprisonment and fines of approximately $7,150 for spreading information the government classifies as false.
Human Rights Watch called for its immediate repeal.
Pakistan’s National Firewall: How DPI Censorship Works
The most significant development for VPN users was the mid-2024 deployment of Chinese-manufactured deep packet inspection (DPI) infrastructure at Pakistan’s internet gateways and ISP data centers.
This was independently confirmed by Al Jazeera and Amnesty International.
What Is Deep Packet Inspection?
Traditional censorship blocked specific IP addresses or domain names. DPI goes much further.
It analyzes the behavioral patterns of your internet traffic in real time. Because most VPN protocols have recognizable signatures in their packets, DPI can detect and drop VPN connections automatically, without ever reading the encrypted content.
This is why standard VPN configurations that work fine in most countries often fail in Pakistan.
How Much Did the Firewall Slow Down the Internet?
Internet speeds in Pakistan dropped by up to 40% after the new infrastructure was deployed. The Pakistan Software Houses Association publicly called it a “major setback” for the tech sector.
Which VPN Protocols Still Work in Pakistan?
| Protocol | Success Rate |
|---|---|
| WireGuard UDP | Usually blocked |
| OpenVPN UDP | Usually blocked |
| WireGuard TCP | ~60% |
| Obfuscated / Stealth | ~80% |
What Is Obfuscation and Why Do You Need It?
Obfuscation wraps VPN traffic in an extra layer that makes it look like ordinary HTTPS browsing. DPI scanners see no recognizable VPN signature and allow the connection through.
All four VPNs in this guide offer obfuscation. They implement it differently, and with different levels of effectiveness against Pakistan’s specific infrastructure.
Are VPNs Legal in Pakistan in 2026?
Yes. VPN use is currently legal for individual users in Pakistan.
There are no criminal penalties for personal VPN use under any current Pakistani law. The government’s approach has been technical rather than prosecutorial.
Did Pakistan Try to Ban VPNs?
In November 2024, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry pushed to ban all unregistered VPNs. The Council of Islamic Ideology declared VPN use to access blocked content “against Islamic law.”
The PTA withdrew the ban entirely in December 2024 after the Law Ministry ruled there was no legal basis. PECA allows blocking content, not tools.
The PTA chairman publicly stated the authority could technically block VPNs but would not do so.
Do Businesses Need to Register Their VPN in Pakistan?
Yes. Businesses and freelancers can register their VPN use through the PTA portal at no cost. Over 20,000 companies and freelancers had registered as of November 2024, with approvals granted within 8 to 10 hours.
Pakistan is the third-largest base of freelance workers globally. A single 24-hour internet shutdown costs the economy approximately $15.6 million.
What Is Pakistan’s New VPN Licensing System?
In late 2025, the PTA launched a formal licensing regime for VPN providers under its CVAS-Data framework. As of early 2026, five local providers hold licenses.
International providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN, and Surfshark are not PTA-licensed but remain accessible with proper obfuscation settings.
Note: Using a VPN to access content that is illegal under Pakistani law can still result in prosecution for that underlying content, not for using the VPN itself.
1) NordVPN Review for Pakistan (2026)
Rating: 4.8 / 5 | Starting price: €3.09/month
In our testing on Jazz and Zong in February 2026, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers connected within 6 to 9 seconds on the first attempt. With obfuscation enabled over OpenVPN TCP, speeds averaged 18 Mbps down on a 25 Mbps base connection a roughly 28% overhead, which is typical for obfuscated traffic.
Standard NordLynx failed to connect on Zong entirely without obfuscation active.
NordVPN is one of the most tested VPNs in restrictive countries including China, Turkey, Russia, and Pakistan. Its key feature for Pakistani users is a dedicated obfuscated server network that strips all VPN protocol signatures before traffic reaches DPI filters.
How Do NordVPN’s Obfuscated Servers Work?
NordVPN’s obfuscated servers use OpenVPN with obfsproxy (obfs4) to scramble traffic patterns. To DPI tools at Pakistani ISPs, the connection looks identical to standard port-443 HTTPS traffic.
NordVPN operates 8,900 plus servers across 129 plus countries as of February 2026, the largest network of the four providers in this guide.
How to Enable Obfuscation on NordVPN
On Windows or macOS: Settings → Advanced → toggle Obfuscated Servers on → select Specialty Servers on the home screen.
On Android or iOS: Switch protocol to OpenVPN (TCP) first, then access obfuscated servers from the main interface.
Obfuscated servers only work with OpenVPN TCP or UDP. They are not compatible with NordLynx (WireGuard) or IKEv2.
Which NordVPN Servers Work Best from Pakistan?
| Server Location | Why Use It |
|---|---|
| UAE (Dubai) | Lowest latency from Pakistan |
| Singapore | Excellent overall speeds |
| India (Mumbai) | Close proximity, virtual server |
| UK or US | Western streaming libraries |
Avoid European servers unless you specifically need a European IP. The latency from Pakistan will be high.
NordVPN Plans and Pricing
| Plan | 2-Year + 3 Months | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | €3.09/mo (€83.43 for 27 months) | VPN, 10 devices |
| Plus | €3.59/mo (€96.93 for 27 months) | Plus anti-malware, ad blocker, password manager |
| Complete | €5.09/mo (€137.43 for 27 months) | Plus email and ID monitoring, 1 TB cloud storage |
| Ultra | €6.69/mo (€180.63 for 27 months) | Plus Incogni data removal |
30-day money-back guarantee. VAT may apply.
NordVPN Key Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Servers | 8,900+ across 129+ countries |
| Devices | 10 simultaneous |
| Jurisdiction | Panama |
| No-logs audit | Deloitte, December 2024 |
| Kill switch | App-level and system-level |
| Post-quantum encryption | Yes, 2025 rollout |
| Double VPN | Yes |
| Tor over VPN | Yes |
NordVPN Pros and Cons for Pakistan
Pros:
- Largest obfuscated server network available
- Five independent no-logs audits
- Proven in China, the hardest test for any VPN
- Post-quantum encryption
- Panama jurisdiction outside intelligence alliances
Cons:
- Obfuscation only works on OpenVPN, which is slower than NordLynx
- No free plan or free trial
- NordVPN website may be blocked in Pakistan, download the app in advance
2) Surfshark Review for Pakistan (2026)
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Starting price: $2.10/month
In our February 2026 testing on PTCL broadband and Jazz mobile, Surfshark connected successfully on the third or fourth attempt in most cases when Camouflage Mode was active. Average speeds settled around 14 Mbps on a 25 Mbps line — acceptable, but noticeably less stable than NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
On Zong specifically, connections dropped twice during a 30-minute session, which aligns with user reports from Pakistani tech communities.
Surfshark’s defining advantage is unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription. For a family or shared household with five or more devices, this is exceptional value.
At around $2.10 per month on the two-year Starter plan, it is also the most affordable option in this comparison. Surfshark runs 4,500 plus servers across 100 plus countries as of February 2026, including a virtual server in Karachi.
How Does Surfshark Bypass Pakistan’s Censorship?
Surfshark uses two features for restrictive environments.
Camouflage Mode
Camouflage Mode activates automatically when you switch to OpenVPN protocol. It applies XOR obfuscation (OpenVPN Scramble) to make VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS. No manual setup is needed beyond selecting OpenVPN in the protocol selector.
NoBorders Mode
NoBorders Mode detects when your network is blocking VPN traffic and automatically switches to optimized servers and routing. Enable it manually in Settings → Advanced, or set it to trigger automatically.
Is Surfshark Reliable in Pakistan?
Surfshark’s obfuscation is the least consistent of the four VPNs in this guide against Pakistan’s DPI.
User reports from Pakistani tech communities show more frequent connection drops compared to NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Use Surfshark as a secondary VPN, or as a primary only where unlimited device connections matter more than raw reliability.
Surfshark Plans and Pricing
| Plan | 2-Year + 3 Months | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $2.10/mo ($56.74 for 27 months) | VPN, Alternative ID, unlimited devices |
| One | $2.42/mo ($65.34 for 27 months) | Plus Antivirus, Alert, Search |
| One+ | $4.43/mo ($119.65 for 27 months) | Plus personal data removal |
30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark Key Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Servers | 4,500+ across 100+ countries |
| Devices | Unlimited |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands |
| Kill switch | System-level |
| Dynamic MultiHop | Yes |
| Rotating IP | Yes, every 5 minutes |
| GPS spoofing | Yes, Android only |
| No-logs audit | Yes |
Surfshark Pros and Cons for Pakistan
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Cheapest option at $2.10/mo
- NoBorders Mode auto-detects restrictions
- Rotating IP for extra anonymity
- GPS spoofing on Android
Cons:
- Weakest obfuscation against Pakistan’s DPI
- No free plan
- Netherlands jurisdiction under EU data law
- No Tor over VPN
3) ProtonVPN Review for Pakistan (2026)
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Free forever, or from €2.99/month
In our February 2026 testing, ProtonVPN with Stealth protocol connected reliably on Jazz and PTCL, typically within 10 to 14 seconds. On Zong, which has been the most aggressive carrier against Proton infrastructure since December 2025, the first connection attempt failed roughly 40% of the time but succeeded on the second try with Alternative Routing enabled.
Speeds on the free tier averaged 11 to 15 Mbps more than adequate for browsing and streaming blocked content.
ProtonVPN is the only VPN in this guide with a genuinely useful free plan: unlimited data, no speed caps, no ads, and full access to the Stealth protocol. It is also the most privacy-focused provider, operated by the Swiss nonprofit behind ProtonMail.
What Is ProtonVPN’s Stealth Protocol?
Stealth is ProtonVPN’s custom anti-censorship protocol. It tunnels traffic through obfuscated TLS over TCP on port 443, making connections look like ordinary HTTPS browsing to Pakistan’s DPI infrastructure.
ProtonVPN’s General Manager confirmed Stealth achieves an overall connection success rate of approximately 80% in Pakistan. This is the most specific effectiveness claim published by any provider for this market.
How to Enable Stealth on ProtonVPN
Open ProtonVPN → Settings → Protocol → select Stealth.
Stealth is available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. It is not yet available on Linux.
Was ProtonVPN Blocked in Pakistan?
Yes. PTA restrictions on ProtonVPN escalated significantly in December 2025 and remain active as of February 2026.
Zong and PTCL were the worst-affected carriers. Even ProtonMail, Drive, and Docs experienced collateral blocking due to shared infrastructure.
Switching to Stealth protocol resolves most connection issues. ProtonVPN’s Alternative Routing feature also helps bypass ISP-level blocks on Proton services.
What Does the ProtonVPN Free Plan Include?
- Unlimited bandwidth, no speed caps
- Servers in 10 countries (auto-assigned)
- One simultaneous device connection
- Full access to the Stealth protocol
The free plan does not include P2P, streaming optimization, or the NetShield ad blocker. For most Pakistani users who want to access blocked websites, the free tier is entirely sufficient.
ProtonVPN Plans and Pricing
| Plan | Monthly | 1-Year | 2-Year | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | €0 | €0 | €0 | Unlimited data, Stealth, 1 device |
| VPN Plus | €9.99/mo | €3.99/mo | €2.99/mo | 18,150 servers as of February 2026, 10 devices, streaming, NetShield |
| Proton Unlimited | €12.99/mo | – | – | Full Proton suite: Mail, Drive, Calendar, Pass |
30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans. Bitcoin accepted.
ProtonVPN Key Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Servers | 18,150 across 125+ countries |
| Devices | 1 (free) / 10 (paid) |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland |
| Open source | 100%, all apps |
| No-logs audit | Securitum, 4 consecutive |
| SOC2 Type II | Completed July 2025 |
| Secure Core | Yes |
| Tor over VPN | Yes |
| Bitcoin payment | Yes |
ProtonVPN Pros and Cons for Pakistan
Pros:
- Genuinely unlimited free plan
- Stealth protocol on the free tier
- 100% open-source applications
- Swiss jurisdiction outside all intelligence alliances
- Secure Core triple-hop routing
- Tor over VPN built in
Cons:
- Actively targeted by PTA since December 2025
- Stealth not available on Linux
- Free tier: no server choice, one device only
- ProtonVPN website sometimes blocked in Pakistan
4) ExpressVPN Review for Pakistan (2026)
Rating: 4.7 / 5 | Starting price: $2.44/month
In our February 2026 testing across Jazz, Zong, and PTCL, ExpressVPN was the only VPN that connected successfully on the first attempt every single time. With Lightway TCP active, connection times averaged 3 to 5 seconds and speeds held at 19 to 22 Mbps on a 25 Mbps line — the lowest overhead of the four VPNs tested. No manual configuration was needed on any carrier.
ExpressVPN’s key advantage for Pakistani users is automatic obfuscation on every server. There is no specialty server to select, no protocol to switch, and no manual settings to configure.
When the app detects a restrictive network, it adjusts traffic automatically. This makes it the easiest option for users who want reliable results without technical setup.
What Is the Lightway Protocol and Why Does It Matter in Pakistan?
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol, rewritten in Rust in early 2025, supports both UDP and TCP transport. Unlike WireGuard, which only supports UDP, Lightway over TCP on port 443 naturally looks like HTTPS traffic without needing an extra obfuscation layer.
Lightway Performance
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Connection time | ~1 second |
| Reconnect speed | Near-instant |
| Max speed (Turbo, Windows) | Up to 1,479 Mbps |
| Post-quantum encryption | ML-KEM, on by default |
What Is TrustedServer Technology?
All ExpressVPN servers run on RAM only. No data is ever written to a hard drive. Every reboot wipes the server completely.
In 2017, Turkish authorities seized an ExpressVPN server and recovered zero user data. In Pakistan, where government requests to international companies are a realistic concern, this matters.
ExpressVPN runs 3,000 plus servers across 105 countries and 170 locations as of February 2026, including a virtual Pakistan server based in Singapore.
What Happens If ExpressVPN’s Website Is Blocked in Pakistan?
ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat can provide mirror download links when the main site is blocked. If you have not installed a VPN yet and censorship escalates, this is one of the few ways to still get the installer.
ExpressVPN Plans and Pricing
| Plan | 2-Year + 4 Months | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $2.44/mo ($68.40 for 28 months) | 10 devices, Lite Protection, ExpressMailGuard (10 addresses) |
| Advanced | $3.14/mo ($88.00 for 28 months) | 12 devices, Advanced Protection, ExpressKeys, ExpressMailGuard (100 addresses) |
| Pro | $5.24/mo ($146.80 for 28 months) | 14 devices, Dedicated IP, Advanced Protection, ExpressKeys, ExpressMailGuard (unlimited) |
Plans renew annually: Basic at $99.95/yr, Advanced at $119.95/yr, Pro at $199.95/yr. 30-day money-back guarantee. Seven-day free trial on iOS and Android. Bitcoin accepted via BitPay.
ExpressVPN Key Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Servers | 3,000+ across 105 countries, 170 locations |
| Devices | 10 to 14 depending on plan |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands |
| Obfuscation | Automatic on every server |
| RAM-only servers | Yes, TrustedServer |
| Post-quantum encryption | ML-KEM, on by default |
| Open source | Lightway core only |
| No-logs audit | Yes |
ExpressVPN Pros and Cons for Pakistan
Pros:
- Automatic obfuscation with zero setup
- Lightway TCP naturally mimics HTTPS
- TrustedServer proven under real government seizure
- Mirror download links via live chat
- Fastest speeds of the four VPNs tested
- Seven-day free trial on iOS and Android
Cons:
- No free plan
- Most expensive of the four options
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- Only Lightway core is open-source
- No Secure Core or built-in multi-hop routing
NordVPN vs Surfshark vs ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: Full Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | ProtonVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URL | Try NordVPN | Get SurfShark | Try ProtonVPM | Get ExpressVPN |
| Pakistan DPI bypass | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Free plan | No | No | Yes, unlimited | No |
| Free trial | No | 7 days | Free tier | 7 days (iOS/Android) |
| Starting price (2-year) | €3.09/mo | $2.10/mo | Free / €2.99/mo | $2.44/mo |
| Simultaneous devices | 10 | Unlimited | 1 free / 10 paid | 10 |
| Obfuscation method | Obfuscated servers | Camouflage Mode | Stealth protocol | Automatic, all servers |
| Setup complexity | Medium | Medium | Easy | Easy |
| Fully open source | No | No | Yes | Lightway core only |
| No-logs audit | Deloitte 2024 | Yes | Securitum x4 | Yes |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Netherlands | Switzerland | British Virgin Islands |
| Server count | 8,900+ | 4,500+ | 18,150 | 3,000+ |
| RAM-only servers | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Tor over VPN | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Post-quantum encryption | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| 30-day money-back | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Use a VPN in Pakistan: 8 Practical Tips
Getting the right VPN installed is only the first step. These practices significantly improve reliability against Pakistan’s DPI infrastructure.
1. Always Start With Obfuscation Mode
Standard VPN protocols fail regularly in Pakistan. Always start with your VPN’s obfuscation or stealth mode enabled.
Only switch to faster standard protocols if obfuscation is working stably and you need extra speed.
2. Enable the Kill Switch Before You Browse
Without a kill switch, your real IP address is exposed the moment your VPN drops. DPI causes frequent drops in Pakistan.
Use a system-level kill switch where available. ProtonVPN’s permanent kill switch blocks all traffic even during reboots. Test it now: disconnect manually and confirm that internet access is completely cut.
3. Check for DNS Leaks After Connecting
Pakistani ISPs use transparent DNS proxies that redirect queries to government-monitored servers, even when your VPN is active.
How to Prevent DNS Leaks
- Enable DNS leak protection in your VPN settings
- Set device DNS to 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google)
- Enable DNS-over-HTTPS in your browser
- Verify at dnsleaktest.com after every new connection
4. Download VPN Apps Before You Need Them
VPN provider websites are sometimes blocked in Pakistan. Download and save installation files while you have reliable access.
ExpressVPN live chat can provide mirror download links even when the main site is unavailable.
5. Keep Two VPN Apps Installed at All Times
No single VPN is 100% reliable in Pakistan. A practical setup:
| Role | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Primary VPN | NordVPN or ExpressVPN |
| Backup VPN | ProtonVPN Free with Stealth |
| Last resort | Tor Browser or Psiphon |
6. Connect to the Nearest Server First
Pakistan averages around 15 Mbps on broadband. Obfuscation adds 20 to 50% overhead. Use nearby servers to minimize the speed hit.
Best Server Locations from Pakistan
| Server | Best For |
|---|---|
| UAE (Dubai) | Lowest latency |
| Singapore | Best overall speed |
| India (Mumbai) | Close proximity |
| UK or US | Western streaming content |
7. Use Port 443 as a Fallback
If your VPN fails to connect, switch to TCP protocol and set port to 443 manually. This is the port used for all HTTPS traffic globally. No ISP can block it completely without breaking normal browsing for everyone.
8. What to Do When Your VPN Suddenly Stops Working
Pakistan’s DPI updates its blocking patterns regularly. If a working configuration suddenly fails:
- Switch to obfuscated or stealth mode
- Change server location (try UAE or Singapore)
- Switch from UDP to TCP
- Set port manually to 443
- Switch to a different VPN app
- Try Tor Browser
- Try Psiphon
Which VPN Should You Choose for Pakistan?
ExpressVPN: Best Overall
Best for users who want reliable bypass without any technical setup. Automatic obfuscation, Lightway TCP that naturally mimics HTTPS, and the fastest speeds make it the most consistent performer in Pakistan.
Tradeoff: most expensive option, and owned by Kape Technologies.
NordVPN: Best for Security
Comparable obfuscation to ExpressVPN with a larger server network and a slightly lower price. Five independently audited no-logs certifications and post-quantum encryption make it the strongest choice for security-focused users.
ProtonVPN: Best Free Option
The only realistic free VPN for Pakistan. Unlimited data plus the Stealth protocol on the free tier is genuinely unique. Swiss jurisdiction, fully open-source apps, and Tor over VPN are unmatched for privacy.
Caveat: actively targeted by PTA since December 2025. Stealth must be enabled manually.
Surfshark: Best for Families
Unlimited connections at $2.10 per month is the right choice for households with five or more devices. Accept that its obfuscation is the least reliable of the four against Pakistan’s DPI.
| Best VPN for Pakistan | Offer + Discount | URL |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 77% off + 3 months free | Try NordVPN |
| ExpressVPN | 73% off + 4 months free | Try ExpressVPN |
| SurfShark | 87% off + 2 months free | Try SurfShark |
| ProtonVPN | 75% off | Try ProtonVPN |
The Most Important Takeaway
The best strategy is not picking one “perfect” VPN. It is having multiple tools installed and ready before you need them.
Download everything now. Enable the kill switch. Test for DNS leaks. Pakistan’s censorship infrastructure is sophisticated, actively updated, and specifically targets VPN traffic. Preparation matters far more than any single provider’s marketing claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use a VPN in Pakistan in 2026?
Yes. VPN use is legal for individual users. The government attempted a ban in November 2024 but withdrew it in December 2024 after the Law Ministry ruled there was no legal basis. There are no criminal penalties for personal VPN use.
Which VPN works best in Pakistan right now?
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the most reliable as of February 2026. Both use obfuscation protocols that achieve around 80% connection success against Pakistan’s DPI infrastructure. ProtonVPN is the best free option.
Does a free VPN work in Pakistan?
ProtonVPN’s free plan works in Pakistan when the Stealth protocol is enabled. It offers unlimited data and no speed caps. Other free VPNs typically do not have obfuscation and will fail against PTA’s deep packet inspection.
Why does my VPN keep disconnecting in Pakistan?
Pakistan’s DPI actively blocks standard VPN protocols. Enable your VPN’s obfuscation or stealth mode, switch from UDP to TCP protocol, and set the port to 443. If problems persist, switch to a different VPN provider entirely.
What apps are blocked in Pakistan in 2026?
Telegram has been blocked since 2017. TikTok has faced five bans. X (Twitter) was blocked for 15 months until May 2025. Signal experiences frequent disruptions. Bluesky was blocked in November 2024. YouTube is accessible but 27 channels were banned in July 2025.
What protocol should I use with my VPN in Pakistan?
Always use your VPN’s obfuscation or stealth protocol first. NordVPN: enable Obfuscated Servers with OpenVPN TCP. Surfshark: switch to OpenVPN to activate Camouflage Mode. ProtonVPN: select Stealth in Settings. ExpressVPN: obfuscation is automatic on all servers.
Sources and References
- Pakistan tests secret China-like firewall to tighten online surveillance — Al Jazeera, November 2024
- Pakistan’s China-style firewall rattles its tech industry — Rest of World, 2024
- Pakistan: Freedom on the Net 2025 Country Report — Freedom House
- Pakistan: Repeal Amendment to Draconian Cyber Law — Human Rights Watch, February 2025
- The Rise of Digital Authoritarianism in Pakistan — The Diplomat, September 2025
- Pakistan can block VPNs but “we won’t do it,” says the country’s telecom chief — TechRadar
- Pakistan has granted its first VPN licenses — Tom’s Guide, 2025
- VPN Registration Process — Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (official)
- PTA Commences Licensing of VPN Service Providers — Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (official), November 2025
- Stealth VPN Protocol: Defeat Censorship — ProtonVPN (official)
- Obfuscated servers: What are they and why do you need them? — NordVPN (official)
- Lightway Protocol — ExpressVPN (official)
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Verify the current legal status in your jurisdiction before using any VPN service. Prices and features are subject to change; always check provider websites for the most current information.
