• November 19, 2024
• Access to Information
• Web Desk

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman, Allama Dr. Raghib Naeemi, has shed light on the recent fatwa concerning the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) under Islamic law, emphasizing that the permissibility of VPN usage hinges on the user’s intentions and purposes. Dr. Naeemi made this clarification during an appearance on the Geo News morning show, “Geo Pakistan,” outlining the council’s stance on the matter.

“No matter if VPN is registered or unregistered, it will be un-Islamic if it is used for indecent content and false propaganda,” Dr. Naeemi declared. He further elaborated that VPN technology, which encrypts internet connections and can bypass geographical restrictions, is inherently neutral. Its ethical or religious classification depends entirely on how it is used. The fatwa, he explained, does not universally condemn VPN technology but calls for responsible usage aligned with Islamic teachings. 

The CII issued this proclamation on November 15, emphasizing that using VPNs to access immoral content is “unIslamic.” The council’s guidance specifically highlighted that actions leading to the “spread of evil” are impermissible, urging the government to strengthen measures to block such content. The CII also praised initiatives aimed at restricting VPN use, particularly efforts to curb access to blasphemous and inappropriate material, describing them as crucial for societal well-being.

Dr. Naeemi pointed out that the fatwa originated from growing concerns over the misuse of VPNs, particularly in accessing indecent or blasphemous websites. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that VPNs have legitimate uses, such as for educational purposes, research, and secure communication, provided these activities do not violate Islamic principles.

Pakistan’s renowned religious scholar, Maulana Tariq Jamil, had voiced his opposition to the CII’s fatwa, calling it a “narrow-minded stance.” Maulana Jamil argued that if VPNs are deemed un-Islamic, then mobile phones and other digital devices should also be considered haram, given their potential to access inappropriate content.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has already taken steps to regulate VPN usage, launching a registration scheme aimed at IT companies, freelancers, and legitimate users to ensure uninterrupted service. As part of this initiative, the PTA has engaged in consultations with industry stakeholders, introducing an online portal for streamlined VPN registration.

The Interior Ministry has also called for VPN registrations, citing security threats. In a letter to the PTA, the ministry said that VPNs are being used by terrorists to plan attacks and conduct financial transactions in secrecy.  The PTA responded by intensifying registration efforts, granting stakeholders until November 30 to comply.