Think you know everything about VPNs? Think again! In Pakistan, there are countless VPN myths floating around—some say VPNs are completely illegal, others claim they guarantee total anonymity, and a few even argue that VPNs are haram in Islam. But how much of this is actually true? With increasing restrictions and misinformation spreading fast, it’s time to separate fact from fiction. Whether you’re worried about PTA VPN bans, ethical hacking concerns, or AI VPN security, let’s debunk the biggest VPN myths in Pakistan once and for all!
VPN Myth #1: VPNs Are Illegal in Pakistan
This is one of the biggest VPN misconceptions. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has not banned VPNs outright. In 2020, PTA clarified that businesses could legally register their VPNs. However, unregistered VPNs may face restrictions, especially during sensitive times like elections or national events.
Fact: VPNs are legal but require registration for corporate use.
VPN Rumor #2: PTA Fines Users ₨50,000 for VPN Usage
This VPN myth in Pakistan gained traction on WhatsApp in 2022, but there is no official proof that PTA fines individuals for using a VPN. The fine only applies to unregistered commercial VPN providers, not personal users.
Fact: No individual has been fined ₨50,000 for VPN use.
VPN Misconception #3: Free VPNs Are 100% Safe
Many people assume that free VPNs offer complete privacy, but in reality, 90% of free VPNs log and sell user data (Cybersecurity Report, 2023). These VPNs are known for weak encryption and malware risks.
Fact: Free VPNs often compromise your data instead of protecting it.
VPN Virtual Private Network Myth #4: VPNs Are Haram in Islam
Many believe VPNs are haram (forbidden) because they “bypass rules.” However, Islamic scholars say VPNs are not haram unless misused. A 2020 Mufti Taqi Usmani fatwa was misquoted—it warned against illegal VPN use, not VPNs themselves.
Fact: VPNs are not haram unless used for unethical activities.
AI VPN Myth #5: VPNs Reduce Internet Speed by 70%
While VPNs may slow down speed, the claim that they cut speeds by 70% is false. An ISPAK (2021) report found an average 30% drop in speed, but this depends on the server, encryption, and ISP throttling.
Fact: VPNs reduce speed, but not by 70%—on average, it’s 30%.
VPN Myth #6: VPN Use Leads to FIRs Under PECA
In 2023, rumors spread that three people were arrested in Lahore for using VPNs under PECA (Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act). However, these cases were never verified. PECA targets cybercrimes, not personal VPN use.
Fact: VPNs are not illegal under PECA unless used for cybercrime.
VPN Rumor #7: PTA Blocks All VPNs in Pakistan
Despite occasional VPN restrictions, PTA does not block all VPNs. Tests in Islamabad (May 2024) showed that OpenVPN works without issues. Some servers get blocked, but not all VPNs are affected.
Fact: Some VPNs are blocked, but many still work.
VPN Misconception #8: Only Criminals Use VPNs
A common VPN rumor in Pakistan is that only criminals use VPNs. However, a 2023 Peshawar University survey found that 62% of students use VPNs for research and education.
Fact: VPNs are used by students, journalists, and businesses, not just criminals.
VPN Myth #9: VPNs Can Bypass All PTA Blocks
This myth grew stronger during the TikTok ban in July 2023, but VPNs failed to bypass the block permanently. Many VPNs struggled due to deep packet inspection (DPI) by ISPs.
Fact: VPNs cannot bypass all blocks—PTA can still detect them.
VPN Virtual Private Network Myth #10: PTA Detects VPNs Through SIM Numbers
In 2021, a SIM registration law led to a rumor that PTA tracks VPNs through SIM cards. However, VPNs operate at the IP level, not the SIM level.
Fact: PTA tracks IP addresses, not SIM numbers.
VPN Myth #11: Using VPNs is Punishable by FIA
A false claim in 2022 suggested that FIA arrested 12 people for using VPNs. In reality, the arrests were linked to fraud, not VPN use.
Fact: FIA does not arrest users for VPN use alone.
VPN Rumor #12: VPNs Work Only on Wi-Fi
A 2024 Lahore survey found that 45% of mobile users believe VPNs don’t work on mobile data. However, VPNs work on both Wi-Fi and mobile networks.
Fact: VPNs work on Wi-Fi and mobile data alike.
VPN Myth #13: VPNs Are Illegal for Business Use in Pakistan
Many think corporate VPNs are illegal, but PTA allows businesses to register VPNs legally. IdealSolutions provides penetration testing and ethical hacking services that rely on legal VPN usage.
Fact: Business VPNs must be registered, but they are not illegal.
VPN Rumor #14: VPNs Make You Completely Anonymous
VPNs hide your IP, but they don’t make you 100% anonymous. Your browsing habits, cookies, and browser fingerprinting can still reveal your identity.
Fact: VPNs enhance privacy but don’t offer full anonymity.
VPN Misconception #15: VPNs Are Banned During Muharram and PSL
Every year, rumors claim that VPNs are banned in Pakistan during Muharram or PSL matches. However, there is no confirmed evidence of this.
Fact: VPNs may face temporary restrictions, but there’s no official seasonal ban.
Final Thoughts
We hope now you are aware of VPN myths in Pakistan! If you have any questions or enquiries, feel free to contact IdealSolutions cyber security company Pakistan.
Additional Resources
- List of cybercrime policies Pakistan.
- cybersecurity companies in Pakistan.
- ethical hackers in Pakistan
- List of cyber security mythes in Pakistan
- mobile app penetration testing tools
- List of cyber security tools
- prevention of electronic cyber act
- Cybercrime helpline for Pakistan
- SOC cyber security pk
- NCCS Pakistan
- Pakistans Federal Investigation Agency
- Cybersecurity PTA
- Cyber security national Information Technology Board
- Cybersecurity, hard or easy
- Cyber Pakistan computer emergency response team
Frequently Asked Questions
Is using a VPN illegal in Pakistan?
No, VPNs are not illegal, but PTA requires businesses to register their VPNs.
How does PTA track VPNs?
PTA blocks IP addresses but does not track users through SIM numbers.
Can VPNs bypass all restrictions in Pakistan?
No, PTA can block VPN traffic using deep packet inspection (DPI).
Is VPN haram in Islam?
No, VPNs are not haram unless used for illegal activities.
Can VPNs help ethical hacking businesses like IdealSolutions?
Yes, ethical hackers use VPNs for penetration testing and security research.
Is PTA planning a full VPN ban in Pakistan?
No, PTA only restricts certain VPNs, but not all of them.
Do VPNs increase hacking risks?
Yes, unsafe VPNs can expose you to malware and data theft.