The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a directive to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) urging intensified efforts to block and restrict access to pornographic, blasphemous, and other harmful content on social media platforms.

The letter to the PTA noted that despite previous enforcement actions based on Supreme Court orders from January 2016, May 2016, and March 2018, “pornographic and blasphemous material is still readily accessible on multiple online platforms.” The ministry highlighted the country’s alarming rank as one of the top viewers of pornographic content globally, underscoring the negative impact on public morality and societal well-being.

Acknowledging the PTA’s ongoing efforts, the ministry noted with concern that these objectionable materials are still accessible, contravening cultural and religious values and undermining national efforts to protect the populace, particularly youth, from exposure to them.

The ministry requested the PTA to implement all necessary technical measures to swiftly and effectively block the content, stressing the urgency and sensitivity of the matter. The ministry has urged the PTA to take early and prompt action due to the urgency and sensitivity of the issue.