A detailed fatwa of a dozen pages issued by Darul Uloom, Karachi, Pakistan and also signed by Mufti Taqi Sahib, asserts that the substance shellac is

Answer

We have studied the fatwa which contains very little dalaa-il. Insha'Allah, a detailed response will be published. Shellac which is a substance derived from insects is not permissible despite its tahaarat (purity). Just as it is not permissible to eat pure sand, so too it is not permissible to consume shellac. Shellac being part of insects may not be consumed.