Pakistan Clerics Call VPN Use Un-Islamic

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) in Pakistan, led by Allama Dr. Raghib Naeemi, has declared the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as un-Islamic, citing concerns over their use for accessing immoral content and evading government censorship. This declaration coincides with the Ministry of Interior's push to ban VPNs, which they claim are exploited by militants and used to facilitate illegal activities. Critics, including internet service providers and human rights organizations, argue that the ban would infringe on privacy rights and freedom of expression, as VPNs are essential for many businesses and freelancers in Pakistan. The Senate Standing Committee has opposed the ban, warning of potential economic losses and highlighting the lack of legal justification for such measures. The PTA has provided a deadline of November 30 for VPN registration amid fears of increased surveillance. The ongoing debate raises concerns about rising internet censorship and the suppression of dissent in the country.