Renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil has expressed his concerns regarding the Council of Islamic Ideology’s (CII) recent decree that labeled Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as un-Islamic (haram).
Criticism of the Decree
In an interview with a private channel on Sunday, Jamil questioned the rationale behind the CII’s ruling. He argued that if VPNs are deemed “haram,” then mobile phones should also be classified similarly, as they provide access to similarly restricted content.
He warned that the fatwa reflects a “narrow-minded stance” and highlighted the greater challenges posed by mobile phones, which can access harmful or inappropriate material that may be more detrimental than VPN usage.
Disagreement with the CII
While acknowledging his unfamiliarity with the specific religious council that issued the fatwa, Jamil reiterated his disagreement with the decision, emphasizing the need for a broader perspective on the issue.
This debate was sparked by the CII’s declaration, which labeled VPNs illegal, citing concerns over their misuse to circumvent internet censorship and access prohibited material.
CII’s Clarification
In response, CII Chairman Allama Dr. Raghib Naeemi clarified that the “positive use” of VPNs in the country is minimal, as they are primarily employed to access “immoral content” anonymously. He urged users to register their VPNs to ensure traceability and promote responsible usage.
During his appearance on a private news channel, Dr. Naeemi explained that VPNs are often utilized to obscure users’ identities while accessing “immoral content,” including blasphemous material and pornography. He stated, “VPNs allow users to access immoral content online. The majority of VPN activity is unregistered, making users untraceable.”
