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Raghib Naeemi, the chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology,
which advises the government on religious issues, said that
Shariah allows the government to prevent actions that lead to
the “spread of evil." He added that any platform used for
posting content that is controversial, blasphemous, or against
national integrity “should be stopped immediately.”
Million of Pakistanis have been unable to access the X social
media platform since February 2023, when the government blocked
it ahead of parliamentary elections, except via VPN — a service
that hides online activity from anyone else on the internet
Authorities say they are seeking to ban the use of VPNs to curb
militancy. However, critics say the proposed ban is part of
curbs on freedom of expression.
VPNs are legal in most countries, however they are outlawed or
restricted in places where authorities control internet access
or carry out online surveillance and censorship.
Among users of VPNs in Pakistan are supporters of the country's
imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who have called for
a march on Islamabad on Sunday to pressure the government for
his release.
Pakistan often suspends mobile phone service during rallies of
Khan's supporters. But Naeemi's weekend declaration that the use
of VPNs is against Shariah has stunned many.
Naeemi's edict came after the Ministry of Interior wrote a
letter to the Ministry of Information and Technology asking for
the VPN ban on the grounds that the service is being used by
insurgents to propagate their agenda.
It said that “VPNs are increasingly being exploited by
terrorists to facilitate violent activities.” The ministry also
wants to deny access to “pornographic” and blasphemous content.
Last week, authorities had also asked the internet users to
register VPNs with Pakistan's media regulator, a move which will
allow increased surveillance on the users of internet.
Pakistan is currently battling militants who have stepped up
attacks in recent months.
On Friday, a separatist Baloch Liberation Army group attacked
troops in Kalat, a district in Balochistan province, triggering
an intense shootout in which seven soldiers and six insurgents
were killed, according to police and the military. The BLA
claimed the attack in a statement.
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