The petition alleges that existing safeguards are inadequate against cyberbullying, harassment and harmful online content.
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court sought responses from federal ministries, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority on a petition seeking stronger protection for children using social-media platforms.
The petition argued that children were increasingly exposed to cyberbullying, online harassment and inappropriate or harmful material.
Issuing notices does not mean the court has accepted the petition’s allegations. It gives the government departments and regulators an opportunity to explain current law, enforcement measures and proposed reforms.
The case raises questions about age verification, parental controls, reporting tools, platform responsibility and access to effective remedies when children are targeted.
Restrictions on online material must also be consistent with freedom of expression and should not become a mechanism for suppressing lawful political or journalistic content.
Pakistan has frequently restricted websites and online platforms on grounds including morality, national security and public order. A child-safety framework would therefore require precise definitions, transparent enforcement and independent review.
The court’s next hearing should clarify whether the government plans new legislation or believes existing cybercrime and platform rules are sufficient.
