ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Feb 11 issued notices to the federal government, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), seeking a comprehensive report by March 3 on measures to regulate minors’ access to social media.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir directed the respondents to submit para-wise comments highlighting age-verification mechanisms, progress on establishing the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, draft regulatory measures and enforcement steps against non-compliant platforms.
Observing that “the well-being and safety of children from online harm are of paramount importance”, the court noted that unregulated social media exposes minors to cyberbullying, mental health issues, privacy violations and harmful content.
The constitutional petition was filed by 12-year-old Akbar Khan Shinwari through his father and counsel, Afzal Khan Shinwari, under Article 199, seeking a prohibition on social media use for children below 16 years.
The petitioner cited Australia’s Online Safety Amendment Act 2024 banning under-16s from social media, France’s January 2026 legislation prohibiting access for those under 15, Norway’s age raise from 13 to 15, Malaysia’s upcoming July 2026 ban with eKYC verification, Denmark’s proposed restrictions and UK requirements for “highly effective” age checks. Reference was also made to European Parliament recommendations banning infinite scrolling for minors.
Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2026.
