ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has been approached with a petition seeking legislation to prevent children and teenagers under the age of 16 from creating or operating social media accounts, amid growing concerns over cyberbullying, online exploitation and exposure to harmful content.

The petition asks the federal government to introduce a comprehensive legal framework and an effective age-verification system for minors using social media platforms.

Petition Seeks Mandatory Age Verification

The petition, filed on behalf of Waqas Nasir, argues that the state has a responsibility to protect children from online risks.

Lawyers representing the petitioner have proposed that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) work together on a mechanism capable of determining whether a social media user is below 16.

Under the proposal, platforms would be required to prevent under-16 users from creating or operating accounts. The petition also calls for social media companies to comply with Pakistani laws and suggests penalties for parents who allow children to bypass the proposed restrictions.

Cyberbullying and Harmful Content at Centre of Case

The petitioners have cited concerns including cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, online harassment and exposure to harmful material as reasons for introducing stronger protections for children.

The move comes as social media use continues to expand in Pakistan. Data cited by TechJuice puts the country’s internet users at about 117 million, with around 79.9 million active social media user identities.

Australia Cited as Model

The petition draws on Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions as an international precedent and seeks a similar age-verification framework for Pakistan.

The lawyers argue that the government, rather than parents and technology companies alone, should take primary responsibility for establishing safeguards for minors online.

The case also follows earlier proceedings in Pakistani courts over children’s online safety. In February, the Islamabad High Court directed authorities to report on measures that could be adopted to limit minors’ exposure to social media risks.

No Ban Yet

The latest development does not mean social media has been banned for children under 16 in Pakistan. The petition is seeking directions for the government to introduce legislation and a regulatory mechanism; any nationwide restriction would require the appropriate legal and policy process.

The case could nevertheless reignite a wider debate over how Pakistan should balance child safety, digital access, privacy and freedom of expression as social media becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life.