How to Get a Free .PK Domain? PKNIC Full Guide

Introduction

A .PK domain is the official country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Pakistan, managed by PKNIC. While registering a .PK domain usually requires purchasing a prepaid card, there are ways to obtain one for free. Several organizations, educational institutions, and hosting providers offer free .PK domain registrations under specific conditions.

This guide explains the various methods to obtain a free .PK domain, eligibility requirements, and the step-by-step registration process.

Who Can Get a Free .PK Domain?

You may be eligible for a free .PK domain if you belong to one of the following categories:

1. Students & Educational Institutions – Some universities offer free .edu.pk domains for students or research projects.

2. Non-Profit Organizations – NGOs and charity organizations can apply for a .org.pk domain at no cost.

3. Startups & Small Businesses – Certain web hosting companies provide free .com.pk domains with hosting packages.

4. Government & Research Projects – The .gov.pk domain is available for official government projects.

5. Promotional Offers – Some domain registrars offer free domains as part of limited-time promotions.

Methods to Get a Free .PK Domain

1. Educational Institutions (.EDU.PK Domains)

Many universities and colleges in Pakistan provide free .edu.pk domains for academic purposes. To apply:

• Check with your university’s IT department.

• Provide required documents (e.g., student ID, project details).

• Submit an application through the institution or PKNIC’s portal.

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2. Non-Profit Organizations (.ORG.PK Domains)

Registered NGOs and charity organizations can apply for a free .org.pk domain. The process includes:

• Submitting proof of registration (NGO certificate, legal documents).

• Providing a valid contact address and organization details.

• Sending an application to PKNIC or an authorized registrar.

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3. Free Domains from Hosting Providers

Many hosting providers in Pakistan offer free .PK domains with web hosting plans. Some notable companies include:

• HosterPK – Offers a free .com.pk domain with annual hosting.

• PakHost – Provides a free .PK domain with premium plans.

• Inspedium – Gives free domains with selected hosting packages.

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4. Promotional Offers from Registrars

Some domain registrars occasionally provide free .PK domains as part of promotional campaigns. Keep an eye on:

• PKNIC official promotions.

• Web hosting discounts that bundle free domains.

• Limited-time offers from domain providers in Pakistan.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Register a Free .PK Domain

Once you qualify for a free .PK domain, follow these steps to register it:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Ensure you meet the requirements (student, NGO, startup, etc.).

• Gather necessary documents if required.

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Step 2: Choose a Domain Name

• Pick a short, relevant, and easy-to-remember name.

• Use PKNIC WHOIS Lookup (https://www.pknic.net.pk) to check availability.

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Step 3: Register via PKNIC or a Registrar

1. If applying via an institution or NGO:

   • Submit your details to your organization or university.

   • The institution will handle the registration with PKNIC.

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2. If registering through a hosting provider:

   • Sign up for a hosting plan that offers a free .PK domain.

   • During checkout, enter your preferred domain name.

   • The provider will register it on your behalf.

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Step 4: Configure DNS & Hosting

Once the domain is registered, set up your DNS settings to point it to a website:

• Login to PKNIC or your hosting control panel.

• Add nameservers (provided by your hosting provider).

• Save settings and allow 24-48 hours for DNS propagation.

Step 5: Verify & Start Using Your Domain

• Check your email for domain activation confirmation.

• Start building your website using hosting tools like WordPress or HTML/CSS.

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Renewing a Free .PK Domain

How Long Does a Free .PK Domain Last?

The validity of a free domain depends on the provider:

• Educational (.edu.pk) and NGO domains (.org.pk) – Usually valid for 2+ years.

• Hosting-based free domains – Typically free for the first year but may require renewal after that.

• Promotional domains – May be free for a limited time, after which renewal fees apply.

How to Renew a Free .PK Domain?

1. Check renewal terms from your registrar or hosting provider.

2. If required, purchase a PKNIC prepaid card to renew manually.

3. Renew before expiration to avoid losing your domain.

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Common Issues & Troubleshooting

1. My Free .PK Domain is Not Active Yet. What Should I Do?

• Ensure all required documents were submitted correctly.

• Wait 24-48 hours for activation.

• Contact the registrar or hosting provider for assistance.

2. Can I Transfer My Free .PK Domain?

• Yes, but some providers restrict transfers for a specific period.

• Contact your registrar to initiate a domain transfer.

3. What Happens If I Don’t Renew My Free Domain?

• The domain expires and may become available for public registration.

• Some providers offer a grace period before deletion.

4. Can I Get a Free .PK Domain Without Hosting?

• Yes, through universities, NGOs, or PKNIC promotions.

• Most hosting-based free domains require a hosting purchase.

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Conclusion

Getting a free .PK domain is possible through educational institutions, NGOs, hosting companies, and special promotions. By following the steps in this guide, you can secure a .PK domain at no cost and start building your online presence in Pakistan.

If you qualify for a free domain, make sure to renew it on time to avoid expiration. Whether you are a student, startup, or non-profit organization, this guide helps you navigate the free .PK domain registration process effortlessly. Happy domain hunting!