The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued notices under Section 27-A to the Attorney General for Pakistan and the Advocate General of Punjab on a petition seeking a ban on social media use by children under 16.
LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the miscellaneous petition, filed by Alaiya Saleem, on Monday. The court directed both law officers to provide legal assistance at the next hearing.
The counsel of the petitioner told the court that no law currently requires age verification for children under 16 using social media. He also alleged that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has failed to enforce a code of conduct to prevent objectionable scenes in dramas and advertisements.
Deputy Attorney General Rafaqat Ali Dogar appeared for the federal government. He submitted written replies from the Federal Ministry of Law and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The petition seeks a ban on social media use by children under 16 and a mechanism to protect children on social media platforms.
It also asks for amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to introduce an age verification system for children. In addition, it seeks a complete ban on the depiction of indecent scenes and alcohol consumption in dramas and advertisements.
