ISLAMABAD: Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr. Raghab Hussain Naeemi clarified on Wednesday that the top clerics body had described the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) as “un-Islamic” independently and not under the influence of Pakistan’s powerful military or government. 

Pakistani authorities last week announced a ban on the use of VPNs, citing their use by militant groups for financial transactions and violent activities, which was criticized by rights activists and independent analysts. The CII issued a statement later, declaring the usage of VPNs as un-Islamic. The ban followed the government’s earlier move to implement a nationwide firewall to block malicious content, protect government networks from attacks, and allow it to identify IP addresses associated with “anti-state propaganda” and terror attacks. Pakistan has already blocked access to social media platform X since the February general elections, with the government saying the blocking was to stop anti-state activities and due to a failure by X to adhere to local Pakistani laws.

These moves have caused Internet disruptions over the past couple of months. Independent analysts have accused the government and Pakistan’s powerful military of suppressing criticism by former prime minister Imran Khan’s supporters on digital media. They allege that the CII issued its statement against the use of VPNs last week at the government and military’s behest, who wanted to provide a religious cover to the Internet restrictions. The government and Pakistan’s military deny this.

“Even today, it is the council’s own initiative, independent of any influence or direction from the government, [military] establishment, security agencies or any ministry,” Naeemi told Arab News on the sidelines of a press conference. “And it is not directed against any political party or to support anyone but aiming to prevent the immoral use of VPNs and block blasphemous content.”

The cleric said that the importance of social media and other technological tools cannot be denied, adding that their “positive use” has become a necessity of the times.

“Administrative measures should be adopted to prevent their misuse and the council believes that merely imposing restrictions on modern tools is not a solution; it is equally important to enable their positive use and to offer viable alternatives,” the CII chief said. 

Naeemi said the CII has decided to conduct further research on the topic from an Islamic perspective in consultation with experts.

In a press conference earlier, Naeemi said VPNs and other social media applications are not inherently unlawful or un-Islamic. He said their permissibility according to Islam depends on their usage.

“If it is used to spread or access content that involves disrespect, blasphemy, unrest, anarchy or is against national security, such usage will undoubtedly be deemed impermissible in Shariah,” he said. 

Naeemi backed the government’s move to regulate the use of VPNs through registration. 

“Social media should be used for promoting Islamic values, building moral character, advancing education and training, fostering trade, strengthening national peace and security, and other lawful objectives,” Naeemi said.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan held a high-level meeting on Wednesday about the upcoming 18th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Trade Fair and Wexnet 2024 business events, stressing the need to promote the country’s exports globally through them. 

The OIC Trade Fair is one of the major annual events organized by the Islamic Center for Development of Trade (ICDT) to promote trade and cooperation between the 57 OIC member countries. The 18th edition of the fair will be organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Pakistan’s commerce ministry in collaboration with the ICDT in the eastern city of Lahore from Nov. 29-Dec. 1. 

Wexnet, meanwhile, is a flagship event organized by the TDAP to empower and promote women entrepreneurs across the nation. The platform allows women-led businesses to showcase their innovative products and services in the country. 

“The Minister emphasized the significance of Wexnet 2024 as a platform to promote women entrepreneurs and directed TDAP to intensify efforts in showcasing their achievements,” the commerce ministry said. “He also stressed the importance of utilizing both events to amplify TDAP’s role in fostering trade development and promoting Pakistan’s exports globally.”

Stressing the impact of both events, Khan urged all stakeholders to ensure outreach, meticulous planning and impactful representation of Pakistan’s trade and business capabilities, it added. 

The ministry said both events are poised to strengthen Pakistan’s trade ties and support the country’s export-oriented growth strategy.

“TDAP remains committed to promoting inclusive trade development and creating avenues for showcasing Pakistan’s export potential,” the commerce ministry said. 

The ICDT says the trade fair aims to promote the development of economic and commercial partnerships between member countries and disseminate and share their economic potential. 

It said the event also aims to make a tangible contribution to the development of exchanges and investments linked to trade between member countries while also market their products and services. 

The OIC is the second-largest inter-government organization after the United Nations, with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. It is considered globally as the collective voice of the Muslim world and seeks to safeguard and protect its interests.