PKNIC domain registration restrictions
The rules PKNIC applies to every .pk-family domain name, on top of the general PKNIC registration policy — read this before you pick a name.
PKNIC domain naming & documentation rules
PKNIC applies a handful of technical and documentation rules across every .pk-family extension, on top of any restrictions specific to a given second-level name. A domain label can run from 3 to 63 characters, use letters, numbers and hyphens, and cannot start or end with a hyphen. Open extensions such as .com.pk and .net.pk can be registered by individuals or companies with just a CNIC or company registration on file, while restricted extensions — .gov.pk, .edu.pk and the provincial government names — require supporting documentation such as a departmental authorization letter, an institutional affiliation certificate, or a notarized affidavit before the registry will approve the request. Getting the paperwork right the first time avoids a rejected application and a delayed launch. Our team checks your documents before submission and tells you plainly if something is missing, rather than letting a registry rejection be the first you hear of it.
Format rules
- A domain name cannot begin with a dash "-", and cannot contain two consecutive dashes "--" (reserved for IDN encodings)
- Generic dictionary words are allowed, provided they don't otherwise violate PKNIC's registration policy
- The name must not appear on PKNIC's reserved/blocked list — examples include info.pk and name.pk
- The label "www" is not allowed in third-level domains (.com.pk, .net.pk, etc.) for DNS security and stability reasons — existing "www" domains of this kind are not renewable
Disallowed name patterns
These classes of names are blocked because they can be used to mislead visitors about the true site behind them (masquerading), enabling phishing or fraud. Registration and renewal of names matching these patterns is refused.
Sub-domain-prefixed 4-character names
A 4-character name directly before .pk cannot start with one of PKNIC's reserved second-level sub-domains (com, net, org, gov, gop, etc.) — so names like coms.pk, comm.pk, nets.pk, net2.pk or govs.pk are not permitted. This rule has applied to new registrations since August 2013.
Sub-domain-suffixed second-level names
Since May 2014, a new second-level domain registration cannot end with one of PKNIC's reserved sub-domain labels (com, net, org, web, edu, gov, gop, etc.). PKNIC may grant an exception for a longer name whose meaning doesn't collide or cause confusion with the reserved namespace, or with a government or education function.
The complete list of reserved second-level sub-domains includes, but isn't limited to: .com.pk, .net.pk, .org.pk, .fam.pk, .biz.pk, .web.pk, .edu.pk, .gov.pk, .gob.pk, .gog.pk, .gkp.pk, .gop.pk, .gos.pk, .gok.pk and .info.pk.
Exception requests
If a disallowed-pattern name is, in PKNIC's judgement, reasonably safe and not a security risk, an exception review can be requested by emailing the registration request to staff@pknic.net.pk. We can help prepare and submit that request on your behalf as your PKNIC reseller.
Why restricted extensions exist
Beyond the name-format rules above, PKNIC also restricts eligibility on a number of second-level .pk extensions to a specific type of registrant. A restricted extension is not sold to the general public the way .pk, .com.pk or .web.pk are — instead, the applicant must prove they belong to the category the extension is reserved for before PKNIC will activate the name.
The reasoning is straightforward: an extension like .gov.pk or .edu.pk carries an implicit claim of authority. A visitor who sees a .gov.pk address reasonably assumes it belongs to an actual government department, and a .edu.pk address implies a real, recognised educational institution. If anyone could register these freely, that implicit trust would collapse, opening the door to impersonation, phishing and confusion for the public. Restricting eligibility and requiring documentation keeps these namespaces meaningful.
Restricted vs. open extensions
- Open, no documents: .pk, .com.pk, .net.pk, .org.pk, .biz.pk, .web.pk, .fam.pk and .ac.pk register to any individual or business, local or overseas
- Restricted, documents required: .edu.pk is reserved for formally registered or affiliated educational institutions
- Restricted, documents required: .gov.pk, .gop.pk, .gos.pk, .gob.pk, .gkp.pk, .gok.pk and .gog.pk are reserved for federal and provincial government departments
- Even .org.pk, while open to general registration, is intended and marketed for non-profits, NGOs and civil-society organisations
Verification & documentation for restricted extensions
We handle the document preparation and submission for restricted-extension applicants as part of our registration service — send us the paperwork and we take care of formatting it to PKNIC's requirements.
Benefits of a restricted extension
Frequently asked questions
Do these restrictions apply to every .pk extension?
Yes — the length, format and disallowed-pattern rules apply across .pk and every second-level extension (.com.pk, .net.pk, .gov.pk and so on), in addition to any extension-specific eligibility requirements.
What happens if my existing domain matches a disallowed pattern?
An existing domain that already matches a disallowed pattern (such as a "www" third-level label) is generally not renewable under the current policy — talk to us about your options before it expires.
Can I still register a name that looks like a reserved pattern?
Only via PKNIC's exception review, and only where PKNIC judges the name will not cause confusion or security risk.
What documents does a government department need for .gov.pk or a provincial extension?
An authorisation or notification letter on official departmental letterhead confirming the request, along with the CNIC of the officer submitting it. Requirements can vary slightly by department, and we help prepare the submission as part of our registration service.
Can a private school register .edu.pk?
Only if it is formally registered or affiliated as an educational institution and can provide the supporting registration/affiliation documents PKNIC asks for. A private academy without that formal status typically registers .ac.pk instead, which has no document requirement.
Is .org.pk restricted to registered non-profits only?
No — .org.pk is open for general registration without documents, but it is intended and marketed for NGOs, non-profits and civil-society organisations, and most .org.pk holders are exactly that kind of entity.
How long does document verification take for a restricted extension?
It depends on how quickly complete, correctly formatted documents are supplied. A straightforward .edu.pk or government application with everything in order is usually reviewed within a few business days; incomplete submissions take longer.
Not sure if your name qualifies?
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