Pakistan's top advisory body on religious affairs has declared that using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access blocked content on the internet is against Islamic law (Shariah). This announcement comes as the government intensifies its efforts to control online content and enhance cybersecurity, urging users to register VPNs with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

Council of Islamic Ideology's Statement

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) criticized the use of VPNs, stating that the technology facilitates access to content prohibited under Islamic principles, such as immoral websites, pornography, and disinformation. The CII emphasized that VPN use for accessing illegal or immoral activities falls under "abetting in sin" and is not permissible under Islamic law. CII Chairman Dr. Raghib Naeemi pointed out that such actions lead to the moral and social decay of society.

Government's Push Against VPNs

The government’s actions are part of an ongoing effort to block harmful and illicit content while tackling terrorism and cyber threats. The Ministry of Interior has raised concerns over the misuse of VPNs, claiming they are increasingly exploited by terrorists for communication, violent activities, and financial transactions. The ministry has instructed the PTA to block all illegal VPNs and ensure users register their VPNs by November 30, 2024. The move aims to reduce the risk of online threats and the access of pornographic and blasphemous content.

The Role of VPNs in Pakistan

VPNs are often used by Pakistani citizens to access social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), which have been blocked in the country since the February 2024 elections. Many also use VPNs to bypass restrictions on content, making it one of the countries with the highest number of pornographic content access attempts. The PTA has reported that nearly 20 million such attempts are blocked daily at the international gateway.

Impact on Freedom and Internet Access

The increasing crackdown on VPNs has raised concerns about freedom of expression and online privacy. Critics argue that such policies may lead to heightened surveillance, reduced internet freedom, and potential harm to the e-commerce sector, as many businesses rely on VPNs for secure transactions. Additionally, internet restrictions are seen as politically motivated, with figures like PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Daniel Castro of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) warning that such actions could have long-term economic consequences.

While the government claims these measures are necessary for national security and moral integrity, the debate over VPNs reflects the ongoing struggle between online freedom and state control. As Pakistan moves towards enforcing stricter digital regulations, the balance between cybersecurity, public safety, and individual rights remains a contentious issue.

Key Points:

• CII declares VPN use for accessing prohibited content as un-Islamic.
• Government implements a VPN registration requirement, targeting cybersecurity and terrorism.
• VPNs remain essential tools for bypassing content blocks, but the government seeks to curb their use due to misuse.
• The PTA continues efforts to block illicit sites, with millions of attempts to access pornographic content being blocked daily.

This crackdown, though framed as a necessity for national security, has led to significant debates over the impact on online privacy and civil liberties in Pakistan.