A new legal battle over children’s social media use has emerged in Pakistan. A petition filed in the Islamabad High Court seeks restrictions on access for users under 16.
The petition calls for legislation to prevent children below 16 from using major social media platforms. These include TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
Lawyers Yahya Fareed Khawaja and Jalal Haider Malik approached the Islamabad High Court with the petition. The case is scheduled to be heard next month.
The petition seeks a legal framework to protect children from cyberbullying, harassment, blackmail, online exploitation and harmful digital content.
The petitioners have also demanded strict age verification measures. They want social media companies to introduce stronger safeguards for minors using their platforms.
Greater parental control is another key demand. Under the proposed framework, parents would have stronger oversight of their children’s online activities.
The petition also seeks clear legal responsibilities for social media companies. Platforms could be required to take concrete measures to prevent children under 16 from accessing conventional social media services.
The case has also revived debate over a proposed age-limit law introduced in Pakistan’s Senate last year.
In July 2025, PPP senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahsan introduced the Social Media (Age Limit for Users) Bill, 2025.
The proposed bill sought to prevent platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, Bigo Live, Snapchat, YouTube and Threads from allowing users under 16 to create accounts.
The legislation also proposed heavy fines for platforms that failed to comply with the age restrictions. However, the bill did not become law and was later withdrawn.
Senator Masroor Ahsan has indicated that the legislation could return to Parliament after consultations with stakeholders. He said the previous version had shortcomings that required further review.
One key issue under discussion is the appropriate minimum age for social media access. Lawmakers may consider changes before any revised legislation is introduced.
The petitioners argue that Pakistan needs specific legislation to protect children from online risks. They maintain that existing laws do not fully address the growing threats children face on digital platforms.
The petition also refers to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It cites General Comment No. 25, adopted by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in March 2021.
The UN framework recognises that children’s rights also apply in the digital environment. These include privacy, safety and protection of their best interests.
The petition argues that protecting these rights is part of the state’s constitutional and legal responsibility.
Pakistan’s debate comes as several countries consider tighter rules for children using social media. Australia passed legislation in 2024 targeting social media access by users under 16.
The Australian law requires platforms to take steps to prevent children below 16 from maintaining accounts. The rules came into force at the end of 2025.
The UK also maintains minimum age requirements on major social media platforms. Many leading services set their minimum user age at 13.
The Islamabad High Court case could therefore become an important development in Pakistan’s debate over children’s online safety. Its outcome may influence future legislation and the responsibilities of social media companies.
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