Pakistan’s top advisory body on religious affairs, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), announced on Friday that using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access blocked online content is against Islamic law.
The declaration comes as the government intensifies efforts to implement a nationwide firewall and requires users to register VPNs with the state’s media regulator, citing reasons such as improving cybersecurity and combating terrorism.
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Critics, however, argue that such measures expand online surveillance, restrict freedom of expression, and harm e-commerce. VPNs allow users to mask their identity and location online, enabling access to content that may be restricted in their country.
The CII stated that VPNs in Pakistan are often used to access content deemed immoral or illegal according to Islamic principles or national laws, including pornography or disinformation sites. The council’s chairman, Raghib Naeemi, stated that using VPNs to bypass restrictions constitutes “abetting in sin” and is therefore prohibited under Islamic law. The council further emphasized that any technology used to facilitate illegal or unethical activities is impermissible in Islam.
Earlier on Friday, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block all unauthorized VPNs, claiming that they are exploited by terrorists for violent activities and financial transactions. The ministry also highlighted that Pakistan ranks among the top countries accessing pornography through VPNs, underscoring the need to curb unauthorized use of the technology.
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In addition to its use for business and entertainment, many Pakistanis rely on VPNs to access social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), which has been largely inaccessible since the February 2023 general elections. The PTA reportedly blocked the platform to safeguard national security and maintain public order. Critics view these actions as attempts to suppress dissent and criticism of Pakistan’s military, which faces allegations of political interference.
Addressing a security forum in Islamabad, Army Chief General Asim Munir called for stricter regulation of online speech, warning that unchecked freedom of expression contributes to the erosion of societal values.
The PTA recently introduced a streamlined VPN registration process requiring users to provide personal information such as their national ID, internet service provider details, and IP address. Experts warn this could increase risks to privacy and data security. Reports of disrupted VPN services over the past weekend suggest the government is actively testing the firewall, which is believed to enhance its ability to monitor online communications.
The Ministry of Interior has urged the PTA to allow VPN registration until the end of the month, with officials emphasizing the need for regulation over accusations of internet throttling. However, critics remain concerned about the implications for digital freedoms and privacy in Pakistan.