Social Media Law In Pakistan

• Published date: 24 October 2025
• Law Firm: Yousaf Amanat & Associates
• Author: Yousaf Amanat

The social media laws in Pakistan are in the main governed by Pakistan's solution to all internet related issues, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA).

The Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2021 ("Rules") have been enacted in furtherance of sections 37 and 51 of the PECA. Section 37 and 51 of the PECA provide that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority ("PTA") may promulgate rules for the blocking and regulating of online content on social media forums. The section further provides that such content shall be blocked ad removed when PTA considers the same to be violative of the glory and interest of Islam, defense, security and integrity of Pakistan, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court or commission of or incitement of an offence relating to data protection or cybercrime.

Definition of Social Media and Social Network Services

Section 1 of the Rules provide that the Rules apply to such licensees which provide Social Media or Social Network Services. The term licensees or existing licensees is however not defined within the Rules. It is assumed that the term existing licensees pertains to cellphone companies.

"Social Media or Social Network Services are defined within the Rules as meaning a website, application or mobile web application, platform or communication channel and any other such application and service that permits a person to become a registered user, establish an account, or create a public profile for the primary purpose of allowing the user to post and share user-generated content through such...