Dr. Raghib Naeemi, Chairman of the CII, discussed his views on social issues, legal reforms, and VPN implementation.

According to Raghib Naeem, using a virtual private network (VPN) causes blasphemy, religious defamation, or the spread of disturbance, which makes it unlawful and un-Islamic.

He claimed that within certain bounds, Article 19 guarantees social peace, religious tolerance, and national integrity.

A query on the seminary registration issue was answered by the CII chairman, who stated that if there is proof of money laundering through madrassas, the management of those institutions will face legal action.

Additionally, he stated that it is unethical and illegal to exchange human baby milk.

Continue reading: Another declaration on VPN use from the Council of Islamic Ideology

In addition to suggesting legislation capping dowries at one tola (11.66 grams) of gold, Dr. Raghib Naeemi suggested moving the authorization for a second marriage from the wife to the Union Council.

Prior to this, the Council of Islamic Ideology stressed the significance of encouraging responsible digital citizenship and utilizing technology in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Though their use should be constructive and appropriate, VPNs are not intrinsically illegal, according to the Council of Islamic Ideology.

“Thoughts and ideas can be expressed effectively on social media for admirable ends. The statement said, “Muslims must adhere to Islamic teachings, utilizing social media to spread Islamic knowledge, education, and training.”

Pakistan has quickly grown to be a major solar market as people and companies there look for ways to reduce their skyrocketing electricity costs. Within two or three years, Pakistan has emerged as one of the world’s biggest importers of solar panels.
The World Economic Forum reports that Pakistan is the third-largest importer of Chinese solar panels, having purchased 13 gigawatts of solar panels in the first half of the current fiscal year. Over 30% of the nation’s 46 gigawatts of total power generation capacity in 2023 is presently derived from imported panels.

This change is mostly caused by the rising demand for alternative energy sources as a result of rising electricity prices. In addition, solar energy has become more affordable due to a 90% decrease in solar panel prices over the last ten years. Government initiatives like the introduction of net metering and the repeal of the 17% sales tax have further sped up the adoption of solar.

According to experts, careless contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are to blame for Pakistan’s expensive electricity. According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, Pakistan’s capacity payments from 2019–20 to 2023–24 were PKR 6 trillion, or roughly $21.5 billion, which made the country’s energy affordability situation worse.

Solarisation is still gaining traction as a practical way to address Pakistan’s energy problems, offering advantages for the economy and the environment. Pakistan has quickly grown to be a major solar market as people and companies there look for ways to reduce their skyrocketing electricity costs. Within two or three years, Pakistan has emerged as one of the world’s biggest importers of solar panels.
The World Economic Forum reports that Pakistan is the third-largest importer of Chinese solar panels, having purchased 13 gigawatts of solar panels in the first half of the current fiscal year. Over 30% of the nation’s 46 gigawatts of total power generation capacity in 2023 is presently derived from imported panels.

This change is mostly caused by the rising demand for alternative energy sources as a result of rising electricity prices. In addition, solar energy has become more affordable due to a 90% decrease in solar panel prices over the last ten years. Government initiatives like the introduction of net metering and the repeal of the 17% sales tax have further sped up the adoption of solar.

According to experts, careless contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are to blame for Pakistan’s expensive electricity. According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, Pakistan’s capacity payments from 2019–20 to 2023–24 were PKR 6 trillion, or roughly $21.5 billion, which made the country’s energy affordability situation worse.

Solarisation is still gaining traction as a practical way to address Pakistan’s energy problems, offering advantages for the economy and the environment.

The costs of critical kitchen necessities, such as banaspati ghee and cooking oil, have escalated by up to 20% in the last two months, placing households under heightened financial strain.

The increase occurs notwithstanding government assertions of a declining inflation trend, raising apprehension among individuals already contending with elevated living expenses.

Reports indicate that the price of ghee has escalated by Rs30 to Rs120 per kilogram in multiple places, while the cost of cooking oil has surged by Rs50 to Rs150 per litre. Retailers have verified that the increase is impacting households across the nation, with costs differing according to brand and quality.

Rates for ghee and cooking oil in December 2024

The retail price of premium-grade ‘A’ quality ghee currently varies from Rs505 to Rs559 per kilogram. In Lahore and other metropolitan areas, the price of Sufi ghee has escalated to Rs350 per kilogram. Simultaneously, mid-range ‘B’ quality ghee is priced between Rs440 and Rs500 per kilogram.

The prices of cooking oil have risen correspondingly, with retailers attributing the escalation to the surging costs of raw materials in the global market. Wholesale distributors have identified global supply chain disruptions as a major contributor to the price increase.

The Consumer Price Index inflation indicates a trend of slowing.

Notably, the increase in ghee and oil prices coincides with data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showing a slowdown in core inflation. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for November 2024 was 4.9%, a significant decrease from 7.2% in October 2024.

This figure indicates a notable enhancement relative to the 29.2% inflation documented in November 2023.

In November 2024, inflation rose by 0.5% month-on-month, reflecting a deceleration relative to the 1.2% increase observed in October. Nevertheless, for economically challenged households, this statistical enhancement provides minimal comfort since the costs of vital goods persist in escalating unabated.