The recent Fatwa Against VPNs issued by the Islamic Ideological Council has ignited considerable debate within Pakistan. Renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil has weighed in on the controversy, suggesting that if VPNs are deemed un-Islamic (haram), then mobile phones should also be considered in the same light.
Fatwa Against VPNs: The Scholar’s Perspective
In an interview with a private media outlet, Maulana Tariq Jamil expressed his reservations regarding the recent fatwa. He emphasized that if the reasoning behind banning VPNs is their potential to access restricted or prohibited content, then mobile phones should also be scrutinized under the same principle. “Mobile phones allow access to a far greater range of content than VPNs,” he argued, highlighting that the issue is not the tool itself, but how it is used.
The fatwa declared VPNs as haram on the grounds of bypassing government controls and facilitating access to banned content, including sites that might carry blasphemous or objectionable material. The scholar’s critique points out that modern technology, such as cellphones, possesses similar risks but remains an accepted part of daily life. This, he implied, reflects a selective approach that fails to address broader ethical challenges.
A Debate on Digital Ethics
Maulana Tariq Jamil’s remarks come amid increasing internet restrictions in Pakistan. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has intensified efforts to block unregistered VPNs, aligning with directives from the Ministry of Interior that cite national security and moral concerns. However, critics argue that such measures target only a narrow aspect of digital ethics.
The issue has also drawn reactions from political figures like Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and tech experts, who question the consistency of policies impacting both governance and citizens’ rights. The debate continues as Maulana Tariq Jamil’s comments encourage a reevaluation of how technology is regulated through religious edicts.
Read more: PTA’s Nationwide VPN Crackdown: What It Means for Internet Users in Pakistan
