In a pressing move, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has called on the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to take decisive action in blocking access to pornographic, blasphemous, and other harmful content that continues to be accessible online. The ministry’s concerns stem from alarming statistics indicating Pakistan’s high ranking in online pornography viewership, which is seen as a significant threat to societal values, public morality, and the well-being of citizens, particularly the youth.

The ministry highlighted its ongoing frustration with the accessibility of such content, even after several Supreme Court directives were issued in January 2016, May 2016, and March 2018. Although PTA has made efforts to restrict harmful material, the Ministry of Religious Affairs expressed disappointment that this content remains widely available. According to the ministry’s letter, unrestricted access to inappropriate content poses a serious threat to Pakistani youth, challenging efforts to protect societal values and raising questions about PTA’s ability to uphold the Supreme Court’s mandates effectively.

Concerns Over Content Impact and Cultural Values

The Ministry’s letter underscored the potential damage to public morality, stressing that easy access to pornographic and blasphemous material undermines Pakistan’s cultural and religious values. This content, accessible on various online platforms, jeopardizes the mental and moral well-being of the youth and broader community. The ministry emphasized that a strict approach is necessary, as the spread of harmful content compromises societal efforts to safeguard young people from exposure to inappropriate material.

Call for Immediate Action

The ministry’s message is clear: PTA must act swiftly to enhance current content regulation mechanisms and reinforce barriers against harmful online material. Citing the Supreme Court’s directives, the ministry urged PTA to prioritize and expedite the blocking of objectionable content across platforms. By taking “early and prompt action,” the ministry aims to secure a safer online environment that aligns with Pakistan’s cultural and religious ethos, fulfilling its duty to protect citizens from exposure to harmful material.

As the PTA responds to this urgent call for action, the public awaits effective steps that will uphold societal values, protect youth, and align online spaces with Pakistan’s deeply held moral principles.