ISLAMABAD: Chairman of Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), Dr. Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naeemi, on Wednesday, clarified the council’s recent remarks on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that triggered criticism from various quarters.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Dr. Naeemi explained that a typographical error in the CII’s earlier press release of missing ‘No’ had led to misinterpretations of the Council’s position on VPNs, which some had mistakenly believed to be condemned as “un-Islamic.”
“There was a misunderstanding due to the omission of the word ‘no’ in our statement,” Dr. Naeemi told reporters in Islamabad. “VPNs, like any other technology, are not inherently un-Islamic or illegitimate. However, their use must align with Islamic principles, and they should be used responsibly.”
The clarification comes after the Council’s earlier statement, issued last Friday, drew significant attention. In that release, Dr. Naeemi had stated that the use of VPNs to access immoral or illegal content violated Islamic teachings.
The statement emphasised that using VPNs to bypass restrictions and access prohibited websites was “illegitimate in Shariah,” and that such activities could be deemed as “aiding in sin.”
In his latest remarks, Dr. Naeemi sought to reassure the public that the Council does not oppose VPNs as a technology, but rather the misuse of VPNs to access harmful or illegal content, including blasphemous material and extremist propaganda.
He reiterated that social media platforms, like VPNs, should be used for positive purposes, such as promoting Islamic values and contributing to national security.
“The use of modern technologies, including VPNs, is an inescapable reality in today’s world,” Dr. Naeemi continued. “Everyone has the constitutional right to access information under Article 19 of the Pakistani Constitution. It is not feasible to ban these tools entirely, but they must be used in a manner that serves the public good.”
The Chairman also indicated that the Council would consult with experts in the coming weeks to explore guidelines for the responsible use of such technologies.
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He emphasised the importance of ensuring that modern communication tools are used for the advancement of knowledge and the protection of society.
Dr. Naeemi’s clarification also extended to the government’s recent efforts to regulate VPN usage. While acknowledging the state’s responsibility to curb access to immoral and illegal content, he said that a more balanced approach, rather than blanket bans, was needed.
“The government has the right to protect the public from harmful content, but we must also ensure that individuals can continue to use modern technologies for legitimate purposes,” he said.
While the government has argued that some online tools, including VPNs, facilitate access to harmful or unlawful material, critics claim that the use of such technologies is essential for maintaining privacy and accessing information freely.
