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Islamabad High Court Orders Government to Detail Child Social Media Safeguards by March 3

The move follows a minor’s petition seeking protections for under‑16s with plans required to align with PECA 2025.

Overview

  • Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued notices to federal authorities and set March 3 for a para‑wise report on protections for children online.
  • The Ministry of IT, PTA and PEMRA must outline age‑verification methods, platform enforcement steps and monitoring plans consistent with the 2025 PECA amendments.
  • The court requested updates on the proposed Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, any draft executive measures, and cooperation with social media companies.
  • The order underscores risks to minors including cyberbullying, mental‑health harms, privacy violations and exposure to inappropriate content.
  • The case, filed by minor Akbar Khan Shinwari through his father, was adjourned to March 3 for further proceedings.