ISLAMABAD
Pakistan has formally notified the appointment of the chairman and members of its newly established social media regulatory body, marking a significant step toward tightening oversight of online content.
Senior legal expert Ayaz Shaukat has been appointed as the first chairman of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority for a term of five years, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior Pakistan.
The notification also confirmed the appointment of five members to the authority, including senior journalist Sohail Iqbal Bhatti, along with Adnan Khan, Muhammad Salman Zafar, Fahad Malik, and Saad Ali.
Officials said the chairman and members will serve five-year terms, with Ayaz Shaukat expected to assume office after Eid-ul-Fitr. He is currently serving as Advocate General Islamabad.
The newly formed authority will allow citizens affected by fake or misleading information on social media to formally lodge complaints. It will also have the power to order the blocking of relevant content, significantly expanding the state’s regulatory reach in the digital space.
Under the framework, the authority will be required to issue decisions within 24 hours of receiving a complaint, aiming to ensure swift action against harmful or false content.
The move signals Pakistan’s усилия to strengthen governance of online platforms amid rising concerns over misinformation and digital security.
