.pk

.pk is the ccTLD for Pakistan. It is managed by PKNIC.

Rules and Restrictions

.pk is an Open Use ccTLD. Anyone can register under .pk and no country presence is required.

A domain name will not be registered if:

• infringes upon a registered tradename;
• it contravenes the latest version of the Pakistan Penal Code Act, 1860 (including offenses of defamation & blasphemy) and/or the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997/any applicable criminal law;
• it is not bona fide as recognized by international best practice;
• in the opinion of PKNIC is not appropriate for registration.

Second-level Domains

The available second-level domains are:

• .com.pk: for general businesses or individuals;
• .net.pk: for network related businesses;
• .org.pk: for non-profit organizations;
• .fam.pk: for families and individuals;
• .biz.pk: for general businesses and promotional;
• .web.pk: for websites;
• .edu.pk: educational institutes;
• .ac.pk: for academic and educational purposes.(Accreditation not required)

There are different SLDs for the government of Pakistan, one for the federal government and one for each province:

• .gov.pk: for the government of Pakistan;
• .gob.pk: for government of Baluchistan;
• .gog.pk: for the government of Gilgit Baltistan;
• .gkp.pk: for the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa;
• .gop.pk: for the government of Punjab;
• .gos.pk: for the government of Sindh;
• .gok.pk: for the government of Azad Kashmir.

Characters

The maximum domain name length is 63 characters (excluding the suffix .pk, .com.pk, etc). Total domain length can not exceed 70.

For domain names directly under .pk, the minimum length is four characters (e.g. 1234.pk). A four character name before .pk can not start with one of the PKNIC second level sub-domains (e.g. com, net, org, gov, gop, etc.). For example the following domain names are not acceptable: "coms.pk", "comm.pk", "nets.pk", "net2.pk", "govs.pk", "a-ac.pk", etc.

For domain names under SLDs, the minimum of one character are allowed (e.g. a.com.pk). The label 'pk', 'www' and all the second level suffix names are reserved for these domain types (e.g. can not register "pk.com.pk", "net.com.pk", "www.net.pk", "com.com.pk", "gov.com.pk", etc).

A domain name can not begin with a dash "-", and can not have two consecutive dashes "--" in it. These are reserved for IDN encodings. Recent academic research and policy papers have explored the role of ccTLDs like .pk in supporting local digital economies.

A 2023 study by the University of Karachi highlighted the increasing importance of local ccTLDs in the development of regional digital identity, emphasizing the role of .pk in strengthening Pakistan’s online presence. The paper also analyzed the socio-economic impact of local domain adoption, noting that it can encourage trust among local users and improve the visibility of Pakistani businesses on the internet.

Additionally, a paper published in 2022 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) discussed the role of country-code domains in advancing national digital strategies. It pointed out that Pakistan’s government-led initiatives, including tax breaks and grants for businesses adopting .pk domains, are fostering greater local engagement with the country’s digital transformation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a .pk Domain

1. Choose a Domain Name The first step is to choose a unique and relevant domain name for your business, organization, or personal project. Domain names for .pk domains can range from simple names to more complex ones, and they should ideally reflect your brand or activity in Pakistan. You should also consider:

Branding: Ensure the domain name aligns with your brand identity. Keywords: Including keywords relevant to your business or sector can improve visibility in search engines. Short and Memorable: Keep the domain name short, easy to remember, and simple to spell.

2. Check Domain Availability Before proceeding, it’s essential to check if the desired domain name is available for registration. You can do this using the search tool provided by any authorized .pk registrar.

3. Select a Domain Registrar .pk domain names are registered through authorized registrars that are accredited by PKNIC. PKNIC itself does not directly sell domains to end users but works with these third-party registrars to offer domain registration services.

4. Register the Domain Once you've selected a registrar, you can proceed to register the domain. The process typically involves: Creating an account with the registrar. Selecting your desired domain and entering your details. Providing required documentation, which may include: A valid NADRA (National Database & Registration Authority) ID for Pakistani citizens. For international clients, some registrars may require additional identity verification. Paying the registration fee, which varies depending on the registrar and the specific domain extension (e.g., .com.pk, .org.pk, etc.). Pricing for .pk domains varies, but typically ranges from PKR 1,000 to 3,000 per year for standard domains, with premium domains or special TLDs possibly costing more.

5. Configure Domain Settings After registration, you will need to configure the domain’s DNS settings. This may include pointing the domain to your web hosting service, setting up email accounts, or configuring other domain services such as SSL certificates for security. Renewing Your Domain Domain registrations are typically annual. It’s crucial to keep track of the expiration date and renew the domain before it expires to maintain ownership.

Important Considerations When Buying a .pk Domain

1. Eligibility: While most .pk domain registrations are open to anyone globally, certain second-level domains (like .edu.pk or .gov.pk) may have strict eligibility requirements. For example, .edu.pk can only be registered by educational institutions recognized by Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission.

2. Documentation: Registrants are generally required to provide basic documentation during registration. This includes identity verification for Pakistani nationals (usually via a NADRA ID) or a valid business registration document for companies.

3. Security: Ensure that the registrar you choose offers security features such as Domain Privacy Protection and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorized access to your domain.

4. Renewal and Management: Domains are usually registered on an annual basis, and it's essential to set reminders for renewals to avoid losing your domain. Some registrars offer multi-year registrations at a discounted price.

5. PKNIC’s Role: PKNIC oversees the technical operation of the .pk ccTLD and works to ensure the stability and security of the domain registry. Although you register your domain through an authorized registrar, the final registry for the domain remains under PKNIC's control.

Country code top-level domain

Internationalized Domain Name

International Telecommunication Union