Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi clarified the body’s recent fatwa regarding VPN usage, stating that its permissibility under Islamic principles depends on how it is used.
Speaking on Geo News’ morning show Geo Pakistan, Naeemi explained, “Regardless of whether a VPN is registered or not, its use becomes un-Islamic if it facilitates indecent content or false propaganda.” He stressed the importance of blocking access to immoral and blasphemous material online, in line with the Sharia.
On November 15, the CII declared VPN usage un-Islamic in cases where it allows access to objectionable content. Naeemi further elaborated that the government has the right to take measures to restrict access to harmful or immoral material, describing such actions as compliant with Islamic principles.
Naeemi attributed the fatwa to reports indicating excessive use of VPNs for accessing indecent websites, claiming there are around 15 million daily visits to such sites. However, he clarified that using registered VPNs for lawful and constructive purposes, including legitimate criticism, is permissible.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah questioned the CII’s involvement in the matter. Speaking on Naya Pakistan, Sanaullah stated that the issue of VPN regulation falls outside the scope of the CII, asserting that it is not linked to Islamic law. He added that government restrictions on VPNs are aimed at curbing misuse on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
