Maulana Tariq Jamil Slams Council’s Fatwa Against VPNs

Fatwa on VPNs Draws Criticism from Maulana Tariq Jamil

Renowned scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil has strongly condemned the Council of Islamic Ideology’s (CII) recent fatwa labeling the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as un-Islamic. Speaking in an interview, Maulana Jamil described the ruling as baseless and reflective of a “mental problem.”

“This fatwa makes no sense. If VPNs are prohibited because they can lead to immoral content, then by the same logic, mobile phones should also be banned. This is simply not right,” said the Maulana. His remarks have sparked a fresh debate on the rationality of such declarations.

Government Pushes VPN Regulation

The fatwa comes amid government efforts to control VPN usage, requiring individuals and businesses to register their VPNs by November 30, 2024. The council supported this move, stating, “The state’s decision to regulate VPNs is praiseworthy, as these tools often facilitate the spread of evil.”

However, many internet users reported restricted access to VPNs and poor connectivity following the announcement, sparking widespread criticism of the government’s handling of the issue.

The Broader Implications

VPNs are widely used in Pakistan for legitimate purposes, including secure communication, protecting personal data, and accessing restricted content for educational and professional needs. Critics of the fatwa argue that banning such tools without considering their benefits could hinder technological progress and individual freedoms.

Maulana Tariq Jamil’s comments reflect a broader dissatisfaction with the council’s decision, which many believe fails to address the complexities of modern technology. The debate highlights the growing challenge of balancing Islamic principles with the realities of a connected digital world.