Advisor to PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has come out against the Council of Islamic Ideology’s recent ruling declaring the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as ‘un-Islamic’. The IIC issued a fatwa (religious edict) last week condemning VPN usage, sparking widespread criticism and condemnation.

The CII Chairman stated that using VPNs to access illegal content or blocked websites is religiously impermissible, adding that the government should ban tools that undermine societal values and laws.

Sanaullah, in an interview on a private television channel, expressed his personal opinion that the issue of VPNs is not within the CII’s purview. He questioned the Chairman’s decision, stating that he did not undertand why the CII expressed this opinion.

Sanaullah further criticized IIC Chairman Raghib Naeemi’s stance, arguing that while Naeemi intended to support the government, his statement has instead generated significant backlash.

He suggested Naeemi should have sought counsel before issuing the ruling. Sanaullah firmly stated his belief that VPN usage has no connection to Islamic law, claiming the IIC unnecessarily categorized it as permissible or impermissible.

The federal minister concluded by asserting that VPN use is not un-Islamic and carries no religious penalty, encouraging citizens to use VPNs without hesitation.