A key religious body in Pakistan has declared using virtual private networks to access blocked content on the internet as against Shariah (Islamic Law).

The statement came as authorities deploy a nationwide firewall and push users to register VPNs with the state’s media regulator, ostensibly to enhance cybersecurity and fight terrorism, reported VOA.

The Council of Islamic Ideology said that Pakistanis are using the VPN to access prohibited content on the internet which are prohibited as per Islamic law.

“Using VPNs to access blocked or illegal content is against Islamic and social norms, therefore, their use is not acceptable under Islamic law. It falls under ‘abetting in sin,’ ” said a statement, quoting the council’s chairman, Raghib Naeemi as reported by VOA.

The statement declared that any technology, including the internet, used to access “immoral or illegal activities is prohibited according to Islamic principles.”

What is VPN?

VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network" and describes the opportunity to establish a protected network connection when using public networks, as per Kespersky website.