The Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), Allama Dr. Raghib Naeemi, has convened a meeting today (Wednesday) to address concerns surrounding the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in Pakistan. Dr. Naeemi has deemed unregistered VPNs illegal, immoral, and contrary to Shariah principles. He called on the Ministry of Interior and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to crack down on unregulated VPN usage.
According to a CII spokesperson, the meeting will focus on the ethical and moral implications of modern social media applications and potential regulatory measures. Scheduled for 2:00 PM at the CII Central Secretariat, the session will conclude with a media briefing by Dr. Naeemi.
On the other hand, PTA Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeezur Rehman emphasized the essential role VPNs play for freelancers and businesses, especially with an impending ban on unauthorized networks. The PTA has extended the deadline for VPN registration to November 30 to address these concerns.
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has also strongly opposed the proposed VPN ban, citing potential economic losses of $400 million in IT remittances. Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, chairing Monday’s meeting, labeled the move illegal, noting that no law justifies blocking such technology.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT) failed to present a legal basis for the restriction. Instead, the PTA disclosed that the directive came from the Ministry of Interior, bypassing MoITT oversight. The committee criticized the lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
Senator Afnanullah also pointed out that VPNs are essential tools for freelancers and businesses, not mere social media apps. He questioned the Interior Ministry’s directive and urged the PTA to consult the Attorney General for clarity on the matter. With nearly one million freelancers dependent on VPNs for international work, stakeholders fear the ban could disrupt the country’s digital economy.
