How to get an IP address in Pakistan using a VPN

Connecting to a VPN server in Pakistan gives the user a matching IP address and encrypts all data in the process. This guide has everything you need to know to get started. 

Want to binge on cricket with the Pakistan Super League? Or perhaps you’d like to immerse yourself in Urdu? In either case, a VPN can help. We’ll tell you how to quickly get an IP address in Pakistan using a VPN.

A virtual private network (VPN) allows users to assume the IP address of any server in the VPN provider’s network – simply by connecting to it. Once a connection is established, the VPN software encrypts all traffic flowing between the user’s device and the VPN server. This prevents ISPs and intrusive government agencies from being able to see what users are doing online.

How to get an IP address in Pakistan

It’s easy to get an IP address in Pakistan using one of our recommended VPN providers. Just follow these instructions: 

1. Choose a VPN that has servers in Pakistan. We recommend Surfshark.
2. Sign up for a subscription – longer terms are almost always better value. 
3. Download, and install, the relevant app for your device.
4. Restart the device once installation is complete. 
5. Open the newly installed app and search for “Pakistan” in the list of available servers.
6. Click the “connect” button.
7. Wait until the app tells you that a connection has been established.
8. Use the internet as normal, but with an IP address in Pakistan and encrypted internet traffic.

We’ll examine individual VPN services in more detail later. For now, here’s a summary of our top choices.

The best VPNs for getting an IP address in Pakistan:

1. Surfshark: Our recommended VPN for IP addresses in Pakistan. Has virtual servers in Karachi and thousands more RAM-only servers worldwide. Static IP addresses available and very fast connections. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. ExpressVPN: Speedy virtual servers in Pakistan make it easy to get a usable IP address. Obfuscation is enabled by default and a sister site is available on the Tor network. Great for streaming and accessing geo-restricted content.
3. CyberGhost: Provides IP addresses in Pakistan via 11+ virtual servers in the country’s capital, Karachi. Excellent for streaming, with servers for individual platforms. It has an audited no-logs policy and issues quarterly transparency reports.
4. Hotspot Shield: Has servers in 80+ countries, including Pakistan. Its proprietary Hydra protocol obfuscates traffic by default and can bypass VPN blocks in restrictive countries. The service works with international streaming platforms like Netflix.
5. VyprVPN: Pakistan IP addresses are available via a virtual server in Karachi. VyprVPN owns its network hardware and its Chameleon protocol can bypass Chinese VPN blocks. It has an audited no-logs policy and is based in Switzerland.
6. HMA: Provides six Pakistan IP addresses via two virtual servers in Karachi. Fast connection speeds and works with international streaming platforms. Includes public WiFi protection, an IP shuffle feature, and an audited no-logs policy.

Summary Table

In assembling the above list, we objectively compared the relatively few VPN providers with servers in Pakistan against a list of criteria. These are summarized below, with a more detailed analysis available later in the article where we discuss our testing methodology.

• Servers in Pakistan
• Strong privacy and security features
• Fast connection speeds
• Ability to access streaming services
• Value for money
• User-friendly apps 
• Helpful customer support

To feature in the top two VPNs in this list, providers must operate a 100% diskless server network and have been audited by a reputable third party.

Best VPNs for getting an IP address in Pakistan

Now let’s explore each of our recommended providers in a little more detail:

Surfshark has RAM-only servers in 100+ countries, including Pakistan. Users can access virtual servers in Karachi for an IP address in the country.

The service works well with all popular international streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max. Its smart DNS service helps VPN incompatible devices – like games consoles and smart TVs – access geo-restricted content. 

The service is fast enough for lag-free gaming and streaming video in 4K. It’s a good choice for larger households as subscriptions allow unlimited device connections.

Other features include access to static IP addresses, and a Camouflage mode that is able to bypass VPN blocks in countries like China, Egypt, and Iran. Surfshark’s Nexus technology rotates users’ IP addresses in-session and allows them to specify entry and exit servers in MultiHop connections.  

Aesthetically pleasing apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These all come with a full GUI, strong encryption, built-in leak protection, a kill switch, and split tunneling for apps and URLs. 

Surfshark merged with Nord Security – NordVPN’s parent company – in 2022. It has since had its no-logs policy verified by Deloitte.

BEST VPN FOR PAKISTAN IP ADDRESSES: Surfshark is our recommended provider. It has RAM-only servers in Karachi, effective obfuscation, and fast connection speeds. Plans include unlimited device connections and come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN provides users with IP addresses in Pakistan and 104+ other countries. Connection speeds are very fast – largely thanks to the company’s lightweight proprietary connection protocol.

ExpressVPN is a good option for users in countries where internet access is restricted. Obfuscation is enabled by default and it has a dedicated Onion site on the Tor network. The company has an ongoing commitment to security, and reinstalls the operating systems of every server in its network on a weekly basis.

Other features include an app for routers, and a Threat Manager tool. All major operating systems are supported, and apps come with built-in leak protection, strong encryption, split tunneling, and a kill switch. 

ExpressVPN works well with a variety of international streaming platforms. Its MediaStreamer smart DNS proxy helps devices that don’t natively support VPN apps to access foreign content libraries. 

The company adheres to a strict no-logs policy. This has been verified through multiple audits of its software and infrastructure. In one year alone, the company underwent 12 third-party audits. 

In 2021, ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies. Kape Technologies was formerly known as Crossrider and specialized in the creation of software designed to inject adverts into users’ browsers. Now a cybersecurity company, Kape Technologies owns several VPN brands – all operating independently of one another. 

TRUSTED SERVERS: ExpressVPN enables subscribers to get an IP address in Pakistan and 93+ other countries. It has a speedy proprietary connection protocol, an app for routers, and obfuscation by default. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost has a vast RAM-only server network encompassing 100+ countries. It allows subscribers to access a range of Pakistan IP addresses via 11+ virtual servers in Karachi.

The service is particularly good for streaming as it has servers optimized for individual platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Crunchyroll, BBC iPlayer, 9Now, and 10Play. CyberGhost uses the WireGuard protocol by default and has connection speeds fast enough for buffer-free HD streaming. 

Apps are novice-friendly and available for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux. They come with strong encryption; protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks; and built-in ad and malware blocking. The Windows app comes with additional features via the Smart Rules tool, while Android has app-based split tunneling.

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is one of the VPN brands owned by Kape Technologies. Since its acquisition, CyberGhost has had its no-logs policy independently audited by Deloitte. The company additionally issues quarterly transparency reports where it details any third party requests for information. 

Users willing to pay for additional security can access CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers, which are housed in a company-managed data center in Romania. These servers provide extra bandwidth, even faster speeds, and a dedicated uplink.  

FAST CONNECTIONS: CyberGhost’s 11+ servers in Karachi provide subscribers with Pakistan IP addresses. The service is notably fast, with an audited no-logs policy and streaming-optimized servers. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Virtual servers in Pakistan and 79+ other countries give Hotspot Shield users lots of IP address options. Connection speeds are excellent and the service works with a range of international streaming platforms. 

It’s a good option for use in restrictive countries like Pakistan, China, and Iran thanks to a proprietary connection protocol that obfuscates traffic by default. The Catapult Hydra protocol is a tweaked version of OpenVPN that was developed by AnchorFree – Hotspot Shield’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield allows five simultaneous device connections. It’s compatible with routers, so users can configure a connection that protects every device on their home network, while only using one of their five allotted connections. 

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. These have built-in DNS leak protection and allow users to switch between the Catapult Hydra or IKEv2 connection protocols. Confusingly, each platform’s app comes with slightly different features. Split tunneling is available on Windows and Android; and a kill switch is available for Android, iOS, and Windows. Only Windows has automatic WiFi protection.

Hotspot Shield is based in the US, which is an unfavorable climate for user privacy. Furthermore, Hotspot Shield says that it collects users’ IP addresses – though it encrypts and deletes them at the end of the VPN session. It also records – but anonymizes – the duration of sessions and the domains accessed by users. While not ideal, this means that Hotspot Shield doesn’t store data that could – at a later date – identify users. 

AUTOMATIC OBFUSCATION: Hotspot Shield can provide IP addresses in Pakistan and 79+ other countries. It has fast connection speeds and effective obfuscation enabled by default. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

VyprVPN provides excellent connection speeds and a virtual server in Karachi for IP addresses in Pakistan. The company owns all of its network hardware and has servers available in 64+ countries overall. You'll benefit from numerous advanced security features, while being able to access Pakistani channels in the process. 

It’s a good option for streaming and is able to access numerous international platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, ESPN, and Disney+. Speeds are fast enough to watch video in 4K and subscriptions include up to 10 simultaneous device connections. VyprVPN is compatible with routers and provides guides for manual configuration on its website. 

Apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. They come with strong encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, automatic WiFi protection, and split tunneling. VyprVPN’s Chameleon protocol can bypass country-imposed VPN blocks in countries such as China, Iran, and Egypt. The WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols are also available. It benefits from decent speeds, whether you plan to download torrents or access news sites. 

The company’s no-logs policy has been audited by the Leviathan Security Group, which examined both its infrastructure and software. VyprVPN is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland. The country’s pro-privacy laws include the Federal Data Protection Act (DPA). This prohibits personal data processing without the individual's consent. 

COMPANY-OWNED HARDWARE: VyprVPN owns all of its servers, which provide very fast connection speeds. Users can get an IP address in Pakistan via a server in Karachi. The service also works in China. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Also known as Hide My Ass!, HMA is perhaps best-known for having servers in an impressive 190+ countries. Users can access six Pakistan IP addresses via two virtual servers in Karachi.

Features include public WiFi protection and an IP shuffle feature that allows users to change IP addresses after a specified period, or if the one they’re using becomes blocked. Premium plans allow for unlimited bandwidth, and you can get a Pakistani IP address with ease. 

Apps are available for Windows, iOS, macOS, and Android – all of which come with a kill switch, strong encryption, and leak protection. The Android app additionally allows split tunneling. 

HMA works with several international streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Connection speeds are fairly average, though good enough for streaming video in HD without buffering. Unlike most of the top VPN providers, HMA has yet to adopt the WireGuard connection protocol. Instead, users can choose between the OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, and PPTP connection protocols. 

Although it doesn’t support port forwarding, HMA does have dedicated P2P servers designed to cope with large data transfers. The service can be configured on compatible routers, which is useful if you need more than the ten allotted simultaneous device connections. 

Prior to 2021, HMA had collected user data logs. It now has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by security firm, VerSprite. Those with privacy concerns should note that the company is based in the UK, which allows the bulk collection of personal data, and which is also a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. However, it does give access to Pakistani servers, and it won't leak your real IP address in the process. 

GLOBAL PRESENCE: HMA has two virtual servers in Karachi that are able to provide six IP addresses in Pakistan. It’s a good option for accessing streaming sites and has dedicated P2P servers and rotating IP addresses. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Methodology for choosing the best VPNs for an IP address in Pakistan

Our recommended VPN providers are carefully selected based on our testing methodology and considering important factors for users who want an IP address in Pakistan. These are discussed below. 

• Servers in Pakistan: The easiest way to get an IP address in Pakistan is by connecting to a virtual VPN server. A virtual server can provide an IP address in Pakistan even though the server itself isn’t physically located in the country. It’s not ideal as the routing is more complex, but it’s sometimes a necessity when a country’s laws make it difficult for VPNs to adhere to their privacy and security principles.
• Strong privacy and security features: Given Pakistan’s eagerness to control and monitor all online activity, it’s essential that anyone using a VPN can trust it to keep their data safe. The minimum feature set of any provider should include strong encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. We ideally also look for providers offering obfuscation, MultiHop servers, split tunneling, and port forwarding. The VPN must hide your online movements from Pakistani Internet Service Providers. 
• Fast connection speeds: Users hoping to stream live cricket from Pakistan or access other local streaming services will need a fast VPN. We regularly perform speed tests to weed out those that have noticeably negative effects on connection speeds. We only recommend those that are fast enough to comfortably stream HD video without buffering. 
• Ability to access streaming services: While most VPNs can access Pakistani TV channels without issue, far fewer work with international streaming platforms – despite what their websites might claim. We test which VPN services provide ongoing access to the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
• Value for money: While decent VPN services do require a subscription, the cost of long-term contracts is often reasonably priced. We seek out the providers that represent the best value for money at a range of price points. We also look for those with generous money-back guarantees so that users can change their minds without losing out financially.
• User-friendly apps: The best VPN providers invest in making their apps intuitive to use, with a clean GUI that’s consistent across operating systems. Novices should be able to establish connections in seconds without having to read supporting documentation. Those with more VPN experience should be able to configure the app’s settings to their liking. 
• Helpful customer support: Responsive and knowledgeable customer support staff is an important feature of any VPN. The best providers offer 24/7 support via live chat and bolster this with a comprehensive and searchable online knowledge base. 

Bonus points

To make it to one of our top two positions, VPN companies must additionally offer the following features:

• Access to China: China has dedicated considerable effort to preventing its citizens from accessing VPNs. Its VPN-blocking systems have improved so much in the past 10+ years that very few providers now work in the country. Those that do are invaluable to anyone seeking access to the free internet. 
• Diskless servers: In a bid to provide yet more secure networks, some VPN providers exclusively use RAM-only servers. Because these run on volatile memory, any data stored on them is deleted when the server is powered off or rebooted. This makes diskless servers a less attractive target for hackers or government agencies. By contrast, servers using magnetic disk or solid-state drives retain data until it is overwritten, or the server is taken offline and wiped.
• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: Numerous countries have formalized intelligence-sharing agreements. Some of these alliances – like the Five Eyes, SIGINT Seniors Europe, and Maximator – are known to us, though it’s likely that there are many more we don’t know about. These alliances benefit their members by allowing them to request surveillance assistance from their partners, effectively bypassing domestic laws that limit direct spying on their own citizens. To safeguard against becoming compromised, reputable VPN providers establish their companies in countries not associated with any recognized intelligence alliances, such as Panama or the British Virgin Islands. 
• Audited software and infrastructure: There have been cases where purported "zero logs" VPN providers have, in fact, kept data logs – which they’ve subsequently been able to share with law enforcement agencies. To restore consumer faith in their no-logs claims, the better VPN providers now engage third-party auditors to examine their software and infrastructure. These audits confirm that customer data isn’t being stored, and help identify potential vulnerabilities that could pose security risks.

Can I use a free VPN in Pakistan?

We don’t recommend it. Free VPNs tend to lack the security and privacy safeguards that are essential protection against third-party interference in countries like Pakistan. The majority of free VPNs log user data and routinely use trackers. The gathered data is typically sold to advertisers, though it’s also possible for it to be requested for analysis by the government. Some free VPNs fail to encrypt internet traffic and act more like proxy servers – despite claiming to be VPNs. Others may leak users’ IP addresses. 

Connection speeds are typically sluggish as free VPNs tend to have too few servers for the large numbers of users trying to access them. None of the services work with popular international streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Their servers are relatively easy to identify as belonging to a VPN.  

How to get a Pakistan IP address – FAQs

Is the internet censored in Pakistan?

Many countries engage in some form of internet censorship, but relatively few go to the extremes of Pakistan. Its military-dominated leadership routinely prevents access to the internet and blocks major social media platforms – particularly during times of civilian unrest. In 2023, the government blocked mobile networks and throttled internet speeds in response to protests over the arrest of former prime minister, Imran Khan. 

Many online services that operate in the country are expected to engage in self-censorship. Under the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2021, social media companies are required to register with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), establish an office in Pakistan, and remove or block content deemed threatening to public order, the “glory of Islam”, decency and morality, and the integrity or defense of Pakistan. Companies have 48 hours to remove any such content.

In all, the internet in Pakistan faces severe restrictions. Intermittent bans of sites ranging from IMDb to Wikipedia are interlaced with hundreds of thousands of long-term bans. The advocacy group, Freedom House, judges the internet in Pakistan as “not free” and gives it a score of 26 out of 100. 

Are VPNs legal in Pakistan?

Yes, but users are required to “register” their VPN with the PTA to “avoid disruption”. The PTA claims that the requirement is to prevent Voice over IP (VoIP) traffic from avoiding the international calling charges that would otherwise go to the national exchequer. Registration requires that users fill in a form and apply via their ISPs.

Critics point out that the requirement allows the government to easily request user data from the VPN provider  – which is particularly problematic when free VPNs – that often log users’ online activities – are so popular in Pakistan. 

Saihaj Shahbaz Butt, from the advocacy group Bolo Bhi, says that the registration of VPNs is a way of “trapping VPN users by providing them a false sense of security while browsing”.

What TV can I watch with an IP address in Pakistan?

Pakistan has a thriving entertainment industry, with multiple channels available for music, sports, food, news, movies, and regional language content. Popular TV shows include the following:

• Uraan
• Khuda Aur Mohabbat
• Suno Chanda
• Gohar-e-Nayab
• Talaash
• Ranjha Ranjha Kardi
• Khuda Dekh Raha Hai
• Takkabur
• Shehr-e-Ajnabi 
• Aunn Zara 
• Mera Naam Yousuf Hai