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5 Best VPNs for Pakistan: Unlock the Web

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Pakistan has blocked websites like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube in the past and they can do it again.

Luckily, the best VPN for Pakistan will help prepare you.

But finding a reliable VPN for Pakistan isn’t black and white.

Not only do you need obfuscated servers to get around current (and future) website blocks, but a VPN with Pakistan servers is also preferable, so you can access local Pakistan websites from abroad.

But don’t worry!

After thorough research and testing, I found ExpressVPN (Grab a sweet discount)!

ExpressVPN offers TrustedServer technology that promises automatic obfuscation on all of its servers – including the one in Pakistan!

And that’s not all.

Keep reading to find out exactly why ExpressVPN is my top choice, plus four alternatives that will also get the job done!

Top 3 VPNs for Pakistan (March, 2024)

BEST SECURITY
NordVPN
NordVPN devices

NordVPN deserves its spot as runner-up on my list, thanks to its premium suite of security features that ensure Pakistan users remain invisible to their government and ISP at all times. Plus, you’ll appreciate the VPN provider’s ability to unblock popular websites, apps, and streaming services!

4.6/5
Read More
BEST OVERALL
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN different devices

ExpressVPN easily takes the cake with its massive server network of RAM-only, obfuscated servers – including one in Pakistan! This means Pakistan users who travel abroad are still taken care of (for example, with local e-banking or accessing local Pakistan TV networks)!

4.8/5
Get Discount
(ALLEGEDLY) REGISTERED
ProtonVPN
You can use ProtonVPN on different devices

ProtonVPN is the only VPN on this list that is allegedly registered with Pakistan ISPs. If this is true, the VPN provider is the perfect solution for Pakistan users who want to play by the book but also want a reliable VPN that doesn’t store logs and won’t turn users into the PTA.

4.6/5
Read More

There’s something I didn’t mention in the intro – in July 2020, Pakistan residents and VPN providers were forced to register their VPN service(s) with the Pakistan government.

This was one of many steps made by the Pakistan government to control its citizens since 2011.

In fact, some Pakistan users claim the government uses the same DPI technology implemented by the Great Firewall of China.

Thus, while I will discuss both registered and unregistered VPN options, this is also why it’s so essential to find a VPN for Pakistan with obfuscated servers – so your ISP and government won’t know you’re using a VPN in the first place.

Let’s get started!

Trying to Catch Up on Samaa TV News? Enjoy My Top 5 Picks With Your Morning Coffee

Here are my top five picks for the best VPNs for Pakistan so that you can enjoy your morning coffee and Samaa TV news routine in peace:

  • ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Pakistan Overall + Pakistan Server
  • NordVPN – Premium Suite of Security Features (Standard Package)
  • ProtonVPN – Reliable Service (Allegedly) Registered With Pakistan ISPs
  • CyberGhost – 12 Pakistan Servers for Accessing Local Pakistan Content
  • HideMyAss (HMA) – IP Shuffle Feature + 210 Countries (2 in Pakistan)

But if you have the time to stick around and you want to learn all the details, keep reading!

I discuss everything you need to know below. 

Detailed List of the 5 Best VPNs for Pakistan

Are you ready for the complete picture?

Join me below, where I discuss in-depth why each VPN is ideal for using in Pakistan – plus other important tidbits, like getting a Pakistan IP address and unblocking Netflix US! 

1. ExpressVPN – Best Overall + Pakistan Server

expressvpn service for pakistan

ExpressVPN earns its place as number one on my list of the best VPNs for Pakistan, thanks to its proprietary TrustedServer technology and RAM-only servers.

To put it in layman’s terms: all of the (lightning-fast) servers you connect to are automatically obfuscated for the utmost privacy.

This means, despite Pakistan’s ban on unregistered VPNs, the government and your ISP will be none the wiser to your VPN use.

No other VPN on my list offers such an overwhelmingly easy, automatic solution to obfuscation!

For example, although NordVPN offers an obfuscation feature, it’s not automatic, it’s not compatible with every server, and it’s not available with every protocol.

However, with ExpressVPN, you get obfuscation on all of its servers (with any protocol), and there’s no additional configuration required (like enabling a feature)!

But don’t just take my word on it.

I’m well aware of the misinformation about ExpressVPN’s obfuscated servers, so I also double-checked with the provider’s 24/7 chat support.

Here’s what Erika told me:

expressvpn chat support

Additionally, cementing its dedication to user privacy and security is ExpressVPN’s strict no-logs policy, proven through independent audits.

This, combined with everything listed above, ensures your online activities always stay private.

Best of all, if Pakistan decides to block popular websites like Facebook and YouTube again, ExpressVPN ensures you’ll have no trouble unblocking them without being detected!

But the benefits don’t end there.

Thanks to ExpressVPN’s Pakistan server, you’ll also have no trouble accessing your e-banking account(s) while traveling abroad.

So, if your Pakistan bank requires a Pakistan IP address to log in, you’re in luck!

Likewise, you can use ExpressVPN’s Pakistan server to keep up with the news via Samaa TV or enjoy your favorite Pakistan TV networks – like PTV, Starz Play, or mjunoon.tv!

streaming mjunoon.tv with expressvpn

This is a huge benefit for ExpressVPN users, as the only other VPNs on my list that offer Pakistan server options are CyberGhost and HMA.

On a similar note, if you’re hoping for unlimited access to US Netflix while living in or visiting Pakistan, ExpressVPN is yet again the best option!

In fact, you’ll have access to a myriad of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more!

streaming on netflix with expressvpn

And while the other VPNs on my list offer varied streaming capabilities, none of them compare to ExpressVPN’s well-rounded compatibility with pretty much every geo-locked streaming platform in existence.

There is one downside, though.

As ExpressVPN is a premium VPN provider, it comes at a premium price.

You’ll still enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee, but the subscription fees look something like this:

But if that price looks too steep, you can click here for a MASSIVE discount!

Pros

Cons

2. NordVPN – Best Security Features

nordvpn site

If you’re searching for a VPN that’s jam-packed with security features, look no further than NordVPN!

To be completely honest, NordVPN has more security features than all the other VPNs on my list combined.

Let’s start with the most important one: obfuscation.

As mentioned under my ExpressVPN mini-review, NordVPN’s obfuscation feature is somewhat limited and does require a bit of manual configuration – but it’s 100% effective!

Here’s a screenshot that shows you how to enable it:

enabled nordvpn openvpn tcp server

Of course, this means hiding your online activities from the Pakistan government and your ISP is super easy!

In fact, they won’t even know you’re using NordVPN at all.

But the security features don’t end with obfuscation.

Like I said – the VPN service is packed full of them!

This is especially perfect for Pakistan users who put security (and privacy) over everything else.

So, to give you the full picture, NordVPN’s other security features include:

  • A Double VPN
  • RAM-only servers
  • A kill switch
  • DNS leak protection
  • The most secure VPN protocols
  • Military-grade encryption
  • And the provider’s proprietary Onion Over VPN feature

Furthermore – consider that NordVPN is the only VPN on my list that offers all of these features in its standard package.

Best of all, this suite of premium security features means you won’t struggle to keep your online activities invisible to everyone.

This includes using NordVPN to access freshly blocked websites like Facebook and YouTube (should Pakistan block them again).

However, there are a couple of cons.

For starters, while NordVPN offers blazing fast speeds, you can expect a small decline when using its obfuscation feature (or its DoubleVPN and Onion Over VPN features).

This is a bit disappointing, considering ExpressVPN’s servers are automatically obfuscated with no apparent speed loss.

Here’s a quick comparison of NordVPN without obfuscation vs. with obfuscation:

NordVPN (NordLynx Protocol)

NordVPN (OpenVPN TCP + Obfuscation)

203.45 Mbps

184.23 Mbps

But, more pressingly, NordVPN doesn’t offer any Pakistan servers.

This means the VPN service is more beneficial for users who live in or plan to visit Pakistan – not for Pakistan users traveling abroad.

On the bright side, NordVPN is another excellent option for unblocking geo-locked streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer from your home or hotel in Pakistan!

streaming on bbc iplayer with nordvpn

Plus, you can choose from several affordable pricing plans (all of which include a 30-day money-back guarantee):

But for an EVEN BETTER deal, click here!

Pros

Cons

3. ProtonVPN – Registered With Pakistan ISPs

protonvpn landing page

ProtonVPN is worthy of its title as one of the most trustworthy VPNs for Pakistan, least of all because it’s the only VPN on my list that (reportedly) registered with Pakistani ISPs back in July 2020.

It’s also one of the few VPNs in general that I’d call reliable enough to use as a registered VPN for Pakistan.

However, to be transparent, I was unable to find any official list of registered Pakistan VPNs.

This Pakistani Reddit user is where the ProtonVPN claim came from:

pakistani reddit user comment that protonvpn is registered in Pakistan

I’m also currently waiting to hear back from ProtonVPN’s support team for further confirmation.

Thankfully, ProtonVPN’s registered status is just the beginning of its phenomenal service – and its users agree, as the VPN provider is one of the most recommended Pakistan VPNs when people ask on r/pakistan!

This is likely thanks to the VPN’s many security features, even rivaling our runner-up, NordVPN.

Check out a quick comparison between the two VPNs here:

protonvpn and nordvpn comparison table

Of course, NordVPN still won (hence earning second place instead of third), but that’s not to say that ProtonVPN didn’t keep up!

In fact, thanks to its Secure Core architecture and features like Tor Over VPN, ProtonVPN just barely fell behind.

That said, one of the reasons the provider fell and still falls behind is its lack of an obfuscation feature.

Luckily, according to ProtonVPN’s official Reddit support account, the feature is in the works as of early 2021! 

protonmail support reddit comment on obfuscation feature availability

Either way, Pakistan users are guaranteed high levels of anonymity with this VPN service.

And even if ProtonVPN is registered with Pakistan ISPs, you’ll still want a high level of anonymity to keep them from spying on you.

Plus, should Pakistan decide to place another ban on websites like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube, ProtonVPN is more than capable of helping you unblock them!

However, like NordVPN, ProtonVPN doesn’t offer any Pakistan servers.

So, if you’re looking for a VPN that offers Pakistan IP addresses, ProtonVPN isn’t the one.

But it is great for streaming geo-blocked platforms like Netflix, Roku, and Hulu!

streaming on hulu with protonvpn

And its subscription fees are some of the most affordable on my list (and include 30-day money-back guarantees):

ProtonVPN Annual Prices in USD
ProtonVPN Plans and Annual Pricing (USD)

But if you want to save some additional cash, check here for an exclusive discount!

Pros

Cons

4. CyberGhost – Best for Pakistan Servers

cyberghost vpn site

CyberGhost is well-deserving of its place on my list, namely because it offers a whole 12 servers in Pakistan!

This is the highest number of Pakistani servers on my list, with CyberGhost beating out ExpressVPN (above) and HMA (below)!

cyberghost vpn servers in pakistan

In other words, if you’re looking for the ideal VPN for in and out of Pakistan, you’ve found it!

CyberGhost will not only help you access your Pakistan e-banking accounts from abroad, but it’ll also help you enjoy your favorite Pakistan TV networks (like PTV and iFlix) regardless of your location.

The same is true for popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer and Hulu.

bbc iplayer cyberghost

However, the security side of CyberGhost is simultaneously impressive and disappointing – impressive because there are plenty of features, but disappointing because most of them come at an additional cost.

For example, CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers guarantee the Pakistan government and your ISP won’t see your online activities or your VPN use – but they cost an additional $10/year and are only available with long-term subscriptions.

CyberGhost NoSPY Pricing
CyberGhost Pricing With & Without NoSPY

Likewise, CyberGhost’s Security Suite for Windows, which includes Intego Antivirus, Privacy Guard, and Security Updater, amplifies your overall security but costs extra.

cyberghost security suite for windows

This is even more disappointing when you consider that providers like NordVPN include all of their security features at no additional cost.

Here’s a quick comparison to slam home that point.

Still, you’ll get CyberGhost’s RAM-only servers, kill switch, military-grade encryption, and the best VPN protocols in its standard package.

And you won’t struggle to unblock websites and apps if the need arises!

Plus, impressively, on subscriptions that are six months or longer, you’ll get a 45-day money-back guarantee!

For reference, no other VPN on my list offers a money-back guarantee that’s longer than 30 days.

However, the downside to this is that CyberGhost’s monthly plan only comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee – and its overall prices are pretty expensive:

But if you want a discount, you can find a very tempting one here!

Pros

Cons

5. HideMyAss (HMA) – IP Shuffle Feature

hidemyass hma server locations

Last but not the least, HideMyAss or HMA offers Pakistan users two unbeatable things: an IP Shuffle feature and two Pakistan servers.

First up, HMA’s IP Shuffle feature lets you shuffle your IP address periodically while using the service.

And it’s customizable!

You can set it to shuffle every 30 minutes, every hour, etc.

Just make sure you also have HMA’s kill switch enabled, so your connection stays private during the shuffle.

This feature is handy for Pakistan users who travel a lot, as it makes it harder for “hackers, trackers, and attackers” to see your real location.

hidemyass hma privacy settings

As for the two Pakistan servers – no prize for guessing what those are good for!

AKA: yes, when you’re traveling abroad and need to access your Pakistan accounts with a Pakistan IP address, or you want to watch PTV’s live streams, HMA can help!

streaming on ptv with hidemyass vpn

In fact, while two servers might not seem like a lot, it’s still more than ExpressVPN (and NordVPN/ProtonVPN) offers!

Moving on, while HMA doesn’t offer a dedicated obfuscation feature, it does have military-grade encryption, the best VPN protocols, a kill switch, leak protection, DDoS protection, and a split tunneling feature.

HMA is also great for unblocking websites and geo-restricted streaming platforms!

This includes Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Netflix US, and BBC iPlayer.

streaming on netflix us with hidemyass vpn

And the primary reason for this is because HMA offers servers in 210 countries.

Yes, you read that right!

210 countries!

This is more than twice the amount of countries provided by every other VPN on my list.

Here’s a table to help you compare:

VPN Provider

Number of Server Countries

ExpressVPN

94

NordVPN

60

ProtonVPN

55

CyberGhost

91

HMA VPN

210

Now for the downside(s).

I placed HMA as number five on my list because, despite being a great service, you’ll pay the same (or less) for a better service, like the ones listed above.

HMA’s subscription fees are pretty costly:

hidemyass vpn pricing

Pros

Cons

Buying Guide: How To Choose the Right Service Provider for Pakistan?

Before you start shopping for a VPN for Pakistan, check out my in-depth buying guide!

You’ll want to take everything listed here into heavy consideration before making any commitments (or purchases!)…

Not in a Rush? Make Sure Your VPN Checks These Boxes AT LEAST!

Don’t fall victim to an untrustworthy VPN service!

Instead, use this handy check-list when deciding on the best VPN for Pakistan:

Does It Offer the Best Security and Privacy Features?

Pakistan might not be as intrusive as The Great Firewall of China, but it’s certainly getting there.

After all, the government is making an effort to control its citizens by only allowing registered VPN use – something China is also known for.

Not to mention, the Pakistan government has blocked access to popular websites and apps before…so what’s stopping them from doing so again?

To beat these “what-ifs,” your VPN needs to have the best security features.

This means a (preferably proven) no logs policy, military-grade encryption, the best VPN protocols, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.

Preferably, your VPN will also have obfuscated, RAM-only servers to keep you invisible to your government and ISP.

Will It Unblock Popular Websites and Apps?

Like I mentioned above – what’s stopping the Pakistan government from blocking websites and apps again?

There’s no guarantee it’ll happen, but if it does, you need to be prepared.

And the best way to be prepared is to have a trustworthy VPN for Pakistan that’s capable of unblocking popular websites and apps like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube.

Are There Servers in Pakistan?

This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, depending on the VPN’s other features.

However, if you’re traveling abroad and need a Pakistan IP address (for banking or access to local TV networks, etc.), you obviously need a VPN with servers in Pakistan.

However, not many VPNs offer servers in Pakistan, and some that do are unreliable.

For this reason, if Pakistan servers are a necessity for you, make certain the VPN you purchase is well-known and trustworthy.

Can It Unblock Streaming Services Like Netflix?

This is another optional but beneficial feature to look for in your VPN for Pakistan.

If your VPN can unblock streaming services like Netflix, chances are it’s a reliable, trustworthy VPN that puts a lot of work into its service.

And who’s complaining about getting to watch their favorite international shows from Pakistan?

Is It Fairly Priced?

Finally, make sure your VPN is fairly priced – you don’t want to pay more for a mediocre service when you could pay the same price for a phenomenal service.

To ensure your VPN is fairly priced, compare features and subscription plans with other VPNs before purchasing.

BONUS: Registering VPNs in Pakistan?

If you want the VPN you use to be a registered VPN with Pakistan, I recommend contacting that specific VPN’s support team and asking them directly before purchasing.

Just keep in mind, if your primary concern is security and/or privacy, you’re better off with an unregistered VPN, as (assumingly most) registered VPNs come with the risk of your government and ISP seeing your online activities.

Additionally, there might be further registration needed on your part to comply with the PTA’s requirements.

You can find more information here.

Can I Use a Free VPN in Pakistan?

I don’t typically recommend using free VPNs.

However, if you’re out of options and need a free VPN for Pakistan, I recommend using the free version of ProtonVPN.

protonvpn free vpn online

It comes with 17 servers in 3 countries – the US, the Netherlands, and Japan.

And, best of all, there are no data caps, meaning you can use the free version of ProtonVPN as much as you want!

Of course, you won’t get blazing fast speeds or the provider’s full suite of features.

But it’s better than no VPN at all!

Still, because of the increasing severity of Pakistan’s disregard for online privacy, I recommend switching to the premium version of ProtonVPN ASAP – or jump straight to my number one choice, ExpressVPN!

(Here’s that discount I promised…)

How to Use Your VPN to Get a Pakistan IP Address?

If you’re sitting in another country, waiting patiently for instructions on how to use your VPN to get a Pakistan IP address, I’m here to deliver!

Just follow these steps:

Choose one of my recommended VPNs with Pakistan servers (or a VPN you found after thorough research) – here’s a table comparison to help you out:

VPN ProviderNumber of Pakistan Servers
ExpressVPN1
NordVPN0
ProtonVPN0
CyberGhost12
HMA VPN2
  1. Purchase a subscription.
  1. Download and install the VPN app on your device(s).
  2. Open the VPN app and sign in to your account.
  3. Scroll the list of countries until you reach Pakistan or use the app’s search function.
expressvpn pakistan server location
  1. Connect to the server by hitting the button (or similar).
  1. Open your browser and check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
  2. Enjoy accessing your bank account and/or local Pakistan TV networks!

How to Unblock Netflix US With a VPN for Pakistan?

netflix us movie preview

Perhaps you’re lounging comfortably in your house or hotel in Pakistan, longing for your favorite US shows on Netflix?

If so, don’t sweat it!

Unblocking Netflix US with a VPN is as easy as following the above steps with minor changes.

Here’s a quick rundown:

  1. Choose one of my recommended VPNs that work with Netflix.
  2. Purchase a subscription, download the app, and sign in.
  3. Choose a US server (check if any are explicitly optimized for streaming or Netflix).
  4. Open your browser and check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
  5. Navigate to the Netflix app or website.
  6. Enjoy streaming Netflix US!
Interesting Reads:

FAQ

Are VPNs Legal in Pakistan?

While VPNs are legal in Pakistan, there are some complications surrounding their use.

As of July 31, 2020, users and VPN providers must register their VPN service with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

If you attempt to use an unregistered VPN, there’s a chance the connection will be blocked.

However, if you use a registered VPN, you run the risk of your government and/or ISP spying on your online activities.

For this reason, if privacy and security are important to you, a reliable unregistered VPN is the best option.

Users reported the most success with the VPNs listed here.

What Websites Are Blocked in Pakistan?

At present, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority blocks access to Rabwah Times (“blasphemous material”), some Reddit subs (“pornography”), DeviantArt (“pornography”), and Pastebin (no reason stated).

However, the PTA has blocked websites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Telegram in the past.

For this reason, you must prepare a reliable VPN capable of unblocking all of these sites and more.

Conclusion

How long until Pakistan follows in China’s footsteps with The Great Firewall?

Maybe it will never happen; maybe it’s just around the corner…

Either way, the country has already proven it can take away basic human rights (despite giving some back).

Don’t wait for it to happen again.

Secure a reliable VPN ASAP, so you can fight for your right to online freedom and an uncensored internet right now – before it’s too late.

Luckily, securing a reliable VPN is easier than ever.

Just click here to sign up for my number one recommended VPN, ExpressVPN, and enjoy the enormous discount on us!

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