Islamabad, November 16 (IANS). Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has described the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) as un-Islamic. Furthermore, CII has supported the government to take any steps to prevent access to “immoral and blasphemous” content. Millions of internet users in Pakistan use VPNs, especially since the government has banned social media platforms like X.
CII Chairman Ragib Naimi highlighted that restricting access to immoral or objectionable content is in line with the principles of Islam. He said using VPNs to bypass restrictions or access restricted websites is unacceptable under Islamic law.
Naimi said VPNs allow users to hide their identity and location, thereby accessing websites often blocked by the government. The permissibility of any action in Islamic law depends on its purpose and method.
He said that VPNs can promote illegal activities including digital theft due to hiding the identity of the user, which is a violation of Islamic and social laws. Using a VPN is aiding sinful acts, which is against Islamic ethics.
This statement from CII on the use of VPNs comes at a time when a report by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revealed that efforts have been made to access inappropriate, sexual and prohibited content on a large scale from Pakistan.
According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, at least five billion attempts have been made by Pakistanis to access restricted websites using VPNs.
On the other hand, the government says it is in the process of registering social media websites and VPN networks and will take action against those using unregistered VPNs in the country.
The government also says that the widespread use of VPNs is one of the reasons for the low bandwidth of internet connections.
It also revealed that terrorists have used social media platforms to spread misinformation, fake news, fake claims and even boast about their anti-national activities in the country, which led authorities to take action. Had to be done and access of all such elements had to be blocked.
The government’s move to control social media use by restricting internet connections and deploying firewalls has been strongly criticized by Pakistani citizens and challenged by right-wing activists.
It is believed that the latest statement by CII will definitely further strengthen the government’s policies against VPNs, access to internet and social media in Pakistan.
–IANS
PSK/AKJ
