'It was typo': CII chief says using VPN isn't 'un-Islamic'

ISLAMABAD: Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi has categorically denied declaring the virtual private networks (VPNs) "un-Islamic" saying that a "typo" led to the confusion in the council's decree amid the government's deadline to block all unregistered encrypted networks this month.

"No one has declared the VPNs against shariah or un-Islamic," said Naeemi in a press conference in Islamabad, adding: "A typing error in our previous statement created a misunderstanding after 'not' was omitted from it."

This formal statement came after the council's November 15 fatwa (Islamic decree) declaring the use of VPNs "un-Islamic" drew much criticism from different quarters.

He said that the council held a session to discuss the use of social media in the country in light of the Islamic principles.

Elaborating on the CII's stance on using social media platforms, Naeemi said that these platforms are effective mediums of public expression, however, they should not be used for blasphemy, religious hatred, extremism, and terrorism.

"If these regulations are being violated, then the use of social media will be un-Islamic," the cleric said.

Earlier this week, the CII chairman had given a clarification regarding the body's decree for the private gateways, saying its nature as being Islamic or un-Islamic mainly depended on its usage.

"No matter if VPN is registered or unregistered, it will be un-Islamic if it is used for indecent content and false propaganda," said Naeemi speaking on Geo News morning show, "Geo Pakistan".

It is noteworthy to mention here that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has extended grace period for unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) until November 30.

The decision comes amid increasing concerns over the misuse of unauthorised VPNs for illicit activities, including bypassing internet restrictions and accessing prohibited content.

Starting December 1, the PTA will initiate a nationwide crackdown on unregistered VPNs.

A successful trial of VPN blocking has already been conducted, and a second trial is planned in the coming days to ensure readiness for the full-scale shutdown, as per sources.