Religious Scholar Questions Ruling on VPN Usage

Famed Islamic scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil has openly challenged the Council of Islamic Ideology’s (CII) recent fatwa, which declared the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as un-Islamic. Speaking on a private news channel, Maulana Jamil criticized the fatwa, describing it as “illogical” and a sign of misplaced priorities.

“I am not sure what logic was used to issue such a ruling. By this standard, mobile phones should also be banned since they give access to the same kinds of content. This fatwa, in my opinion, is completely wrong,” he remarked.

The Council’s Position

The CII, Pakistan’s top advisory body on Islamic laws, argued that VPNs are often used to bypass government restrictions, leading to access to immoral or illegal material. Labeling such actions as contrary to Sharia, the council praised the government’s efforts to regulate VPN usage.

“The state’s move to ban VPNs is commendable,” said the council, urging citizens to comply with the newly introduced registration requirements for VPNs before the November 30, 2024, deadline.

Growing Public Frustration

Internet users in Pakistan have expressed frustration following the council’s ruling, citing restrictions on VPNs and sluggish connectivity. Many argue that VPNs serve legitimate purposes, such as safeguarding personal data, accessing educational resources, and conducting remote work.

Maulana Tariq Jamil’s criticism has resonated with a growing segment of the public, which views the fatwa as an unnecessary imposition. Critics also fear that such restrictions could stifle innovation and access to global platforms.

The debate underscores the tension between preserving societal values and embracing technological advancements in the modern digital age.