The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal LoRaWAN networks after declaring all unlicensed LoRaWAN devices and operations unlawful.
LoRaWAN is a long-range, low-power wireless network protocol used to connect IoT devices over large distances.
The regulator said the move is meant to protect Pakistan’s fast-growing Internet of Things ecosystem from serious security risks.
According to PTA, the enforcement campaign is already underway and teams are acting against companies and individuals who import, sell or use LoRaWAN equipment without approval.
Offices have been sealed, devices have been confiscated, and arrests have been made during the ongoing operation.
PTA officials said unapproved LoRaWAN technology can create harmful interference in the national radio spectrum and can disrupt sensitive communication networks.
They warned that such interference could affect major digital projects and delay the rollout of secure technology services across the country. The authority stressed that only certified and legally licensed equipment can be used in Pakistan. It added that non-certified devices weaken compliance systems that are required to support national-level digital projects.
Public cooperation has also been requested. PTA has advised citizens to avoid buying unlicensed LoRaWAN devices and to purchase equipment only from PTA-authorized sellers. People have been urged to report any illegal activity related to LoRaWAN imports or installations.
LoRaWAN technology is widely used in smart farming, industrial monitoring, smart metering and vehicle tracking.
PTA said that while the technology is useful, only approved equipment can guarantee safety, compliance, and uninterrupted IoT operations across Pakistan.