CII Chairman Clarifies VPN Remarks, Dismisses Controversy as Typographical Error

LAHORE: Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), Allama Raghib Naeemi, has clarified his earlier statement regarding Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), attributing the confusion to a typographical error. He reiterated that VPNs have not been declared un-Islamic or ‘haram.’

The Interior Ministry instructed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block unregistered VPNs after a statement by the CII was misinterpreted, suggesting that VPN usage was regarded un-Islamic. This clarification has been issued. This led to the PTA reportedly blocking several VPN services.

During a press conference in Islamabad, Allama Raghib Naeemi addressed the issue, saying, “Social media is a powerful tool for sharing ideas and opinions. However, its misuse for blasphemy, sectarianism, or extremist activities is unacceptable.”

He further stated that the violation of these laws would render the use of social media un-Islamic. The chairman of the CII clarified that none of the council members had declared VPNs to be un-Islamic or unlawful.

“The misunderstanding arose due to a typographical error in our issued statement. The omission of the word ‘no’ confused,” he explained.

The CII chairman emphasized the importance of responsible social media usage and encouraged the public to refrain from engaging in activities that foster religious intolerance, terrorism, or hostility.