A petition has been filed before the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), seeking to ban social media access for children under 16.
The petitioners cited Australia, Italy, and Brazil as examples of countries that have already introduced restrictions on social media access for users under 16, arguing that similar measures are both possible and necessary in Pakistan.
The petition was filed at the Lahore registry by lawyers Sheraz Zaka and Moin Akhtar. Zaka described himself as an activist, while Akhtar filed the case as the father of a minor child.
The petitioners argue that children in Pakistan are being exposed to cyberbullying, addictive platform designs, sexualised material and the glorification of alcohol, which they say can negatively affect their mental and moral development.
What the Petition is Asking For
The petitioners have asked the FCC to direct the federal government to amend Peca 2016 to restrict social media access for children under 16 through an age-verification mechanism.
They are also seeking directions for Pemra to strictly enforce content regulations during child-viewing hours.
In addition, the lawyers want the government to coordinate with social media companies on parental control measures and take steps to address the number of out-of-school children and school dropout rates.
The petitioners describe the case as the first petition of its kind filed in Pakistan on the issue.
The respondents named in the petition include the federal government through the Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Information Technology, National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, Pemra and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
Petition Seeks Age Verification
The lawyers claim that Pakistani law currently does not require age verification before allowing access to social media platforms.
They specifically point to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), 2016, saying it contains no provision restricting social media use by children under 16.
Pemra Accused of Failing to Enforce Content Rules
The petition also alleges that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has failed to properly enforce its own code of conduct.
According to the petitioners, television dramas and advertisements containing intimate scenes and depictions of alcohol are being aired during hours when children are likely to be watching.
They want Pemra to strictly enforce content standards during periods when children are expected to be part of the television audience.
Petition Also Highlights Education Crisis
The lawyers also referred to Pakistan’s wider education challenges, citing figures suggesting that around 25 million children are out of school.
They said this is reportedly the highest number of out-of-school children in any country.
The petitioners argue that the government’s failure to address these issues violates Articles 9, 14, 25, 25-A and 35 of the Constitution, which cover the rights to life, dignity, equality, education and protection of the family.
They also cited the Convention on the Rights of the Child and a previous Lahore High Court judgment, PLD 2020 Lahore 137, which directed the state to legislate on human rights and social issues.
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