Court Challenge Seeks Social Media Curbs for Kids

News Desk
LAHORE: An appeal has been filed in the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) challenging the registrar’s objections to a constitutional petition aimed at restricting access to social media platforms for children under 16 years of age.
The appeal was submitted by Supreme Court lawyers Sheraz Zaka and Moin Akhtar, who are urging the FCC to overturn the registrar’s dismissal and schedule a hearing for their petition.
The lawyers argue that the registrar’s office lacks the authority to determine issues of maintainability or locus standi through an administrative order.
They contend that such matters should be adjudicated by the court after hearing the petitioners, citing a 2022 Supreme Court judgment to support their position.
The original petition sought legislative and regulatory measures to limit social media access for minors, emphasizing the need for authorities to fulfill their statutory obligations.
This case raises significant public interest concerns regarding children’s safety online, as social media platforms increasingly become a part of daily life.
Advocates for the petition argue that unrestricted access can expose children to harmful content, necessitating urgent legislative action to protect vulnerable users.
The FCC is expected to review the appeal in the coming weeks, with potential implications for how social media regulations are enforced in Pakistan.
The outcome could set a precedent for future cases involving children’s rights and digital safety.