PTA directed to remove harmful content from social media

Islamabad: The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Tuesday directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to remove objectionable content on social media platforms.

In a letter to the PTA, the ministry has highlighted that this content remains easily accessible online and requested immediate action to remove it.

“Despite the proactive measures taken by PTA to block such content in line with Supreme Court orders (Jan 2016 and March 2018), it has been observed that pornographic and blasphemous material is still readily accessible on multiple online platforms.

“It is important to note that although PTA has made significant efforts to curb this issue by blocking the accessibility of such content; however, said material is still online accessible that violates our cultural and religious values.

"The widespread availability of such content undermines efforts to protect citizens, particularly young people, from exposure to harmful material. It also raises serious concerns regarding the adherence to the directives of Supreme Court and the authority's ability to effectively enforce content regulations.

“Given the sensitivity of the issue, PTA is once again requested to take all necessary and available technical measures to block and restrict access to pornographic, blasphemous, and other harmful online content at the earliest timeframe. An early and prompt action is requested,” reads the letter.