The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued notices to the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Law on a petition seeking a ban on social media for users under 16.
The court also sought replies from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
IHC Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar heard the petition, which seeks legislation for an effective age verification system for children’s social media accounts and measures to protect them from the harmful effects of social media.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that several countries have introduced legislation for the digital protection of children, describing it as an international trend. Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Turkey have enacted or enforced formal social media bans or registration blocks for children, while several other nations have passed or proposed similar laws
The lawyer also argued that protecting the best interests of children is a constitutional and legal responsibility of the state.
During the hearing, the court asked whether PEMRA currently has any law covering the matter.
The counsel replied that no specific legislation has been introduced so far, although PEMRA has the authority to take action when it receives a complaint.
The court subsequently issued notices to the parties and sought their responses.
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