How to Get a Pakistani IP Address in 2020: A Lahore Location
If you’ve been trying to access Pakistani content while outside of Pakistan, chances are you’ve been introduced to geoblocks. They’re common, but can be annoying. The only way to get around them is to change your IP. In this article we will tell you how to get a Pakistani IP address.
Your IP address is a unique identification number that includes your geographical location. When you try to access something that is restricted to a certain country, you’ll be blocked unless you have the right IP. Changing your IP address is basically fooling the website or online service into thinking you’re in that country.
It may be that you want to watch some local TV, such as Dunya News or Samaa TV. Perhaps you miss watching the news or other programs in your local language, such as Urdu, Punjabi or Sindhi. Whichever it is, you’re most likely going to need a Pakistani IP address.
Netflix is available in Pakistan, too, and some programs available there may not be elsewhere elsewhere. That is because of license restrictions. A license is needed for every country in which a service wants to air a show. Many users want access to the U.S. version of Netflix because it has the most choices. We go into that subject more in our piece on the Netflix VPN ban.
If getting into Netflix is your main objective, check out our recommendations in our best VPN for Netflix guide.
Another reason you might want a Pakistani IP address is to log in to your bank account. Many banks don’t allow access from outside the country. It’s annoying, but the extra security is there to stop fraud.
How to Get a Pakistani IP Address
A couple of methods can be used to get a Pakistani IP address. You could use a proxy — read our best free proxy guide — which is the easy route, but they don’t always work. Even if the proxy works, it leaves your IP exposed, so it can be traced back to you. Plus, there’s no security, so you can become a victim of cybercrime. Our VPN vs. proxy vs. Tor article has more on the subject.
It is better to use a virtual private network. That way, you will be protected by its security and it will allow you to browse anonymously.
There are a few factors that will make some of our best VPNs good picks for Pakistan. Most importantly, the provider needs to have servers there. Otherwise, you still won’t be able to access restricted content.
If you want to use streaming services, you’ll want a VPN with good speeds and unlimited bandwidth. To access Netflix, it will need to be able to stay undetected by the service’s advanced VPN detection system. Some VPNs just don’t have what it takes to do so. Read our piece on the Netflix proxy error for more.
CyberGhost
You can use CyberGhost to get a Pakistani IP address. Out of its thousands of servers, 10 are in Pakistan. It has good security and honors your privacy with a solid no-logs policy. Speeds are decent and it has unlimited bandwidth. Plus, it can get you into streaming services, including Netflix.
You can install it on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS and connect up to seven devices at a time. For that reason, it was one of our best VPNs for multiple devices. Have a look at our CyberGhost review for more on the service or use the seven-day trial to see for yourself. There’s also a money-back guarantee, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another good choice because it has a good server network that includes some servers in Pakistan. Its security is excellent and it doesn’t keep a log of your activity. It will get you into streaming services, including Netflix, without a problem. In fact, it’s our best VPN for streaming. Plus, it has unlimited bandwidth and is the fastest VPN around.
It’s compatible with most operating systems and allows three devices to be connected in one go. The clients are easy to use and it’s a great choice if you don’t have experience using a VPN. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to make sure you like it. Read our ExpressVPN review for a more detailed look at the service.
Astrill
Astrill can also be used to get a Pakistani IP address. Its server network isn’t as big as its competitors’, but it has servers in Bahawalpur. It has decent security to protect you and you can choose from many VPN protocols, including two that are unique to it. Astrill will get you into streaming services, such as Netflix, and it has fast speeds with unlimited bandwidth.
It can be used on most desktop and mobile operating systems. Plus, you can connect up to five devices simultaneously. There is a seven-day trial that you can take advantage of, too. Have a look at our Astrill review for more.
Dangers of Using a Pakistani IP Address
Technically, you’re not in danger when using a Pakistani IP address. That said, there are things to keep in mind when you do. Surveillance is a major issue in many parts of the world, with only a few countries valuing privacy.
The government doesn’t tolerate criticism of the military or militant religious groups. Five bloggers were reported missing after criticizing it, and one claimed he was tortured by a government institution.
Plus, blasphemy is a criminal offense and carries strict punishment. Many reporters exercise self-censorship when writing about sensitive topics, such as religion, protests and LGBT issues. Read our best VPN for Pakistan piece for more on the country.
There is also the danger of using public WiFi. When you connect to a hotspot there’s no way to know how secure it is. By using a VPN, you are keeping yourself protected from cybercrime. A good antivirus wouldn’t go amiss, either.
Final Thoughts
We hope our guide has helped you understand how to change your IP address to a Pakistani one. To keep yourself safe, it’s best to go the VPN route because it will ensure that you are protected and honor your privacy.
All of our recommendations are up to the task, but CyberGhost has the upper hand with 10 servers in Pakistan. With its seven-day trial and money-back guarantee, you’ve got plenty of time to decide if it’s right for you.
If you have recommendations for getting a Pakistani IP address, leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you. Thank you for reading.
Sandra Pattison is from the rolling hills of the United Kingdom where, when she’s not enjoying that one day of summer, she researches and writes on online security and censorship around the world. Writer by day, mother morning, noon and night, during her little free time she enjoys photography and likes to be spontaneous, but mostly ends up sipping tea with her pinky out.