“This is a Mental Problem,” Says Renowned Scholar on VPN Fatwa

Prominent Islamic scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil has voiced strong criticism of the recent fatwa issued by the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), which declared the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as un-Islamic. In an interview with a private news channel, the Maulana dismissed the council’s stance, calling it a “wrong decision” and a reflection of a “mental problem.”

“I don’t know which Sharai council issued this fatwa. By this logic, even mobile phones should be banned because you can access so much without needing a VPN,” said the Maulana, adding that the decision lacked logic and was not grounded in Islamic principles.

Council’s Controversial Decision

The Council of Islamic Ideology had declared VPN usage un-Islamic, citing concerns about accessing “immoral or illegal content” online. According to the council, such activities promote the “spread of evil” and undermine moral values. The council further endorsed the government’s move to regulate VPN usage and encouraged steps to ban unregistered VPNs.

As part of the initiative, the federal government has set a deadline of November 30, 2024, for all VPN users to register their services to ensure compliance with new regulations. Meanwhile, many internet users across Pakistan reported difficulties in accessing VPNs and faced reduced internet speeds.

A Broader Debate on Digital Freedoms

Maulana Tariq Jamil’s remarks highlight growing debates over digital freedoms and censorship in Pakistan. While the council supports a ban to curb immoral content, critics argue that VPNs serve legitimate purposes, including ensuring online privacy and secure communication.

This controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of online activities and government-imposed restrictions, raising questions about the balance between maintaining societal ethics and ensuring access to digital tools.