In a significant religious and legal development, the Chairman of the Pakistan Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), Allama Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi, has declared the use of Virtual Private Networks VPN to bypass internet restrictions and access immoral or unethical content as haram (forbidden) under Islamic law.
In a statement, Dr. Naeemi emphasized that it is within the government’s and state’s authority to regulate actions that could lead to immoral behavior or grant access to harmful content, in accordance with Shariah law. He affirmed that measures such as restricting VPN access align with Islamic principles and the recommendations of the CII.
Dr. Naeemi strongly condemned the use of VPNs to access websites or platforms that are blocked for legal, moral, or social reasons. He described these actions as “assisting in sin,” which is strictly prohibited in Islam.
Pakistan Government’s VPN Ban Receives Clerical Support
Praising the government’s initiative to block VPNs used to bypass online restrictions, Dr. Naeemi argued that such practices undermine societal values and facilitate access to illegal content. While acknowledging that VPNs are legitimate tools for online privacy and security, he pointed out their misuse to access inappropriate or forbidden material, including obscene websites, platforms spreading misinformation, or those fostering social unrest.
According to Dr. Naeemi, VPNs are also frequently used for cybercrimes such as online theft and fraud, making it challenging to trace criminals. He underscored that any action, including the use of VPNs, must be evaluated based on its intent and impact. Using VPNs for unlawful purposes, he stressed, violates both Islamic and Pakistani laws.
Islamic Law and State Laws Must Be Respected, Pakistan cleric
Dr. Naeemi reiterated that Muslims are obliged to respect state laws, provided those laws do not conflict with Islamic teachings. In Pakistan, he noted, legitimate websites offering entertainment, information, and business opportunities remain accessible, and bypassing government-imposed restrictions not only violates national laws but also contradicts Islamic ethical principles.
CII’s Recommendations on Social Media and VPN Regulation
This latest statement follows a series of CII actions addressing internet and social media issues. On May 30, 2023, the Council held a consultative meeting to address the growing concerns around social media misuse, including unethical content and blasphemous material. During this meeting, the CII urged the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing to expedite the registration of social media platforms and implement stronger measures to block VPNs.
Additionally, the CII proposed creating public awareness campaigns through short video and audio messages to educate the public about the potential dangers and unethical practices associated with VPN use.
Stricter Regulations Urged for Online Privacy Tools
Dr. Naeemi concluded by calling on the Pakistani government to implement stricter regulations on technologies and tools, including VPNs, that he believes undermine societal values and the rule of law. He argued that these measures are crucial for preserving both national integrity and Islamic ethical standards in Pakistan’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
