Pakistan National Assembly Debates Digital Media Bill 2025 Amid Obscenity Concerns

The National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom held a session today to discuss the Digital Media Bill 2025 for the Prevention of Obscenity and Immorality, as presented by Member of the National Assembly Shahida Rehman. The bill aims to regulate digital and visual media content to curb obscene and indecent material online, reflecting growing governmental focus on digital content governance.

Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, briefed committee members, urging that existing laws and authorities already provide a framework for digital media oversight and should be reinforced rather than replaced. She addressed concerns about past restrictions on the social media platform X, noting that complaints had arisen previously over its ban and that delegations from international tech firms regularly visit Pakistan to discuss compliance with local regulations.

Shaza Fatima dismissed the notion that enforcement depends on the physical presence of global social media offices in Pakistan, stressing that regulations apply irrespective of local offices.

The debate saw lawmakers and the committee chair question the performance of the National Computing and Cyber Security Authority (NCCIA) in enforcing digital media regulations. Committee members referenced widely circulated online criticism of the authority, underscoring public interest in accountability and stricter implementation of digital media laws.

In a notable turn, MNA Shahida Rehman later withdrew the Digital Media Bill 2025, indicating more deliberations may follow.