Awoken Nation

In today’s digital age, restrictions on communication seem like relics of the past. Yet, recent events in Pakistan highlight the ongoing struggle between access to technology and restrictions imposed under the guise of morality. The Council of Islamic Ideology recently declared VPN (Virtual Private Network) usage as "un-Islamic." Their stance is curious, especially when considering that VPNs are essential for people visiting countries like Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations, where platforms like WhatsApp are restricted. Interestingly, many religious scholars who advocate these restrictions rely on VPNs themselves when traveling abroad. It’s a recurring pattern – technology is often labeled "un-Islamic" until it serves their needs. Decades ago, loudspeakers faced a similar fate. Today, these very devices amplify sermons across Pakistan. Videos and photography, once forbidden, are now embraced, with scholars actively promoting themselves on social media. But VPNs are...