On July 21, the apex court had adjourned hearing the case as it said that the IHC had already fixed the sentence suspension application for July 24. The Supreme Court also noted that if an urgency arose, they could move an application for an early hearing.

After this, the IHC had said that the petitions filed by Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chatta were in admissible.

The latest request, filed by senior counsel Faisal Siddiqi, cites repeated delays despite the Supreme Court’s May 12, directive to the IHC to decide her sentence suspension application as quickly as possible and preferably within two weeks. Subsequent hearings were repeatedly adjourned due to prosecution requests and procedural issues, and no date was set after the IHC dismissed objections to the maintainability of her plea.

Another urgent application was filed on July 27, Mazari and her husband but this was not fixed for hearing before the IHC.

The operation, led by NCCIA Punjab Director M Ali Wasim, resulted in the seizure of 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are undergoing forensic examination.

In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested for allegedly using fake identities including relatives, visa agents, government officials and Punjab Safe Cities Authority personnel to defraud victims. In one case, imposters allegedly posing as a relative and a visa agent defrauded a victim of Rs 25.86 million.

In Faisalabad, three suspects were arrested for allegedly conducting online trading fraud, causing a reported loss of Rs 54.6 million.

While in Multan, seven suspects were arrested who allegedly impersonated bank employees and individuals residing in Britain. They are accused of soliciting money under false pretenses, such as prize money, customs clearance, taxes, and visa renewals

An event titled “Measuring the Social and Economic Impact of Digital Media: Evidence for Policy,”  at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), Barkat highlighted the fragmented regulatory landscape, where responsibilities are divided among various bodies including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Ministry of IT and Telecom, and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

Speaking at the event, Barkat expressed concern over the absence of a dedicated agency to monitor and address complaints related to social media, adding that the general public is mostly unaware of how to pursue complaints against digital media violations.

He noted that Pakistanis spent over $689 million on digital media in 2024, including approximately $27 million on music and $158 million on video games. The spending continued to rise in 2025, with $392 million expended on video-on-demand services, a significant portion of which involved adult content.

The PEMRA Director General also highlighted the detrimental effects of social media on mental health, particularly among the youth. The excessive use of digital media led to economic and social consequences, including mental health issues stemming from lack of sleep and the spread of misinformation and disinformation in the political realm.

Barkat emphasised the urgency of implementing Pakistan’s AI policy to mitigate potential risks and promote the safe and progressive use of technology.

Retired Brigadier Raashid Janjua reflected on the transformative effect of social media on youth learning patterns, noting that in the modern age, information is becoming more significant than traditional knowledge.

The NCCIA’s spokesperson detailed that the operations led to the capture of Haroon Qureshi in Lahore, Abdul Rehman and Muhammad Ayaz in Faisalabad, and Farhad Abbas in Multan. The suspects are currently under investigation, with legal proceedings initiated based on the digital evidence gathered, including mobile phones and other electronic devices now undergoing forensic analysis.

Haroon Qureshi is accused of targeting multiple women through social media, engaging in harassment and intimidation. Abdul Rehman and Muhammad Ayaz allegedly exploited a couple, using objectionable digital content to blackmail them for money. Meanwhile, Farhad Abbas’s arrest in Multan followed allegations that he shared private photographs and videos of a woman on social media to blackmail her.

The committee was informed that only 9 out of approximately 372 eligible cases had been transferred to the NCCIA. All these cases were transferred by Sindh Police; the majority are still handled by provincial police forces. This contrasts with the amendments in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, which grant the NCCIA exclusive investigative authority.

The committee also noted that under-trial Peca cases pending before courts had not been executed, prompting the committee to direct provincial inspectors general of police and advocate generals to expedite the process and clarify delays.

The committee also discussed NCCIA notices issued to a newspaper columnist over an article deemed offensive by a bureaucrat. After the agency clarified that it had only sought the columnist’s version and had not initiated criminal proceedings, the committee directed the NCCIA to refer the matter to the Press Council of Pakistan, stressing that PECA should not be used against regulated media content.

The meeting also touched on the controversial approval of the film ‘Buleha’ by the Central Board of Film Censors, which was criticised for allegedly misrepresenting Sufi poet Hazrat Baba Bulleh Shah. The committee recommended renaming the film and removing certain dialogues, stressing the importance of respecting historical figures and cultural sentiments.

The committee addressed the allocation of government advertisements, urging the Press Information Department to ensure a 25% quota for regional newspapers is implemented effectively, especially in Sindh and Balochistan.

The committee also discussed the allotment of housing for journalists and media workers, directing the formation of a subcommittee to oversee the implementation of the housing quota recommendation and propose future initiatives.

The committee also addressed the grievances of Radio Pakistan pensioners and directed the relevant authorities to resolve the 353 pending commutation cases without delay.

According to police, Aslam, a resident of Mohallah Karampura, was identified after investigators traced the mobile number used to upload the video. The investigation confirmed that she is not affiliated with the Punjab Police and used a counterfeit police uniform.

District Police Officer (DPO) Javed Iqbal Chadhar said the suspect was taken into custody. He also warned that the  use of official uniforms to make videos is a crime.

Speaking at a press briefing on July 21, NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim said the network had been operating since 2019, targeting individuals seeking services from the embassies of Italy, Germany, Sweden, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. The group allegedly used fake Google business profiles, counterfeit websites, forged documents, call-forwarding, and caller ID spoofing to deceive victims. Some suspects also posed as Singapore Police officers during video calls to intimidate victims.

The arrests followed a raid on a fake call centre in Bahria Town Phase IV, Rawalpindi, where authorities seized 21 mobile phones, a vehicle, a Singapore Police uniform, phishing emails, fake appointment letters, PTCL records, Gmail accounts, and other digital evidence for forensic analysis.

In a separate operation, the NCCIA dismantled a phishing network operating the Tycoon2FA platform, which allegedly created more than 96,000 phishing applications,fake accounts, and malicious links targeting victims in Pakistan, the Americas, Central Asia, and Europe. Two suspects were arrested, and computers, servers, mobile phones, and storage devices were seized. The agency said proceeds from the fraud had been invested in properties in Islamabad, with confiscation proceedings underway.

The operations, supervised by NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, led to the seizure of mobile phones, SIM cards, and other digital devices containing electronic evidence.

In Lahore, Qaiser Bilal was arrested for allegedly creating a TikTok account to post a woman’s photographs and impersonating a government official to intimidate and blackmail her. In Faisalabad, Subhan Ahmad was arrested for allegedly blackmailing a complainant’s sister through social media and WhatsApp, while in Multan, Muhammad Imran was detained for allegedly sharing objectionable images of a complainant via WhatsApp and harassing her family  and her. A court granted four days’ physical remand of Imran for further investigation.

NCCIA Punjab Director Wasim said the agency remains committed to protecting women from online threats and ensuring the strict enforcement of cybercrime laws. He added that the NCCIA would use advanced digital forensic techniques to bring offenders to justice.

The Sindh government announced plans to create a provincial-level monitoring cell aimed at addressing the challenge of “negative and misleading propaganda” on social media platforms. The initiative, detailed by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on July 22, seeks to ensure accountability of those disseminating false information and to safeguard national interests.

During a meeting, officials discussed the need to counter coordinated misinformation campaigns and harmful online content. The meeting was attended by Information Secretary Kashif Gulzar Shaikh, Director General Information Moiz Pirzada, and others.

Memon emphasised the need for legal action against those spreading false and misleading information, stating, “Effective legal action against those involved in spreading false and misleading information is essential.”

He added that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it should not be used as a shield for spreading falsehoods, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting accurate information and protecting the country’s national interests.

The notice did not specify the content for which she had been summoned; however, it was issued after an interview Noreen gave to a YouTube channel, where she made controversial claims about the Pakistan Army and Maarka-e-Haq.

The notice warned Niazi that non-compliance with the summons will be seen as an admission of guilt and could lead to action under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other ministers have condemned Noreen’s statements and have called for her to apologise.

During a press briefing, Hussain outlined various actions by JAAC, which he said were contrary to Kashmiri values and unethical.

According to Hussain, the banned organisation utilised women and children as human shields, a tactic emerging after the group’s leaders reportedly became indifferent and reneged on their commitments. The Home Secretary criticised the JAAC for diverting students from their studies, thereby risking their futures, and for blocking roads, which severely hampered civilian movement and daily life.

Hussain accused the JAAC of promoting anti-state narratives, inciting antagonism against the Pakistan Army, and attempting to weaken the historical bonds between Pakistan and AJK. He stated that these actions suggest the group’s primary aim is to disrupt AJK’s peace, economy, and law and order rather than advocating for people’s rights.

Hussain announced that the general elections in AJK would proceed as scheduled on July 27. He commended the political parties for their ongoing campaigning efforts across the region, including in the Poonch division.

The resolution calls for the provincial government to recommend to the federal government to bring comprehensive legislation to regulate children’s access to social media. It aims to ensure the protection of children’s physical, mental, psychological, and moral development, which the resolution states is a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state.

According to the proposal, the federal government should bring legislation that prohibits minors under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts without consent from parents or legal guardians verified through a dependable age-verification mechanism. Moreover, the resolution urges the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to develop and enforce robust age-verification systems across all social media platforms in Pakistan.

The resolution also emphasises the need for social media companies to adhere to child protection standards by promptly removing harmful content and creating a safer digital environment for minors. It suggests that relevant federal and provincial departments should initiate ongoing awareness campaigns to educate parents, teachers, and children about digital literacy, online safety, and responsible internet use.

Globally, there is a trend towards imposing stricter regulations on children’s use of social media, with countries like Australia instituting age-based restrictions and enhancing child online safety laws.

On June 23, the Chairman of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA) Ayaz Shaukat met with the Governor of Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi to discuss digital governance, the responsible use of social media and public awareness. Accompanying the chairman were SMPRA member Sohail Iqbal Soor and other attendees.

The meeting at the Governor House concentrated on positive social media use and effective regulatory measures. Both parties emphasized the importance of promoting a national narrative through constructive social media use.

Governor Hashmi highlighted the necessity of adapting policy-making to meet contemporary needs, stressing that creating a safe and positive digital environment for the youth is a crucial, collective duty. The two sides agreed on collaboration and developing future joint initiatives.

The Pakistan Post issued a directive to take action against employees after it took notice of employees’ social media activities which it said were violating office discipline.

The circular, dated June 22, said employees were sharing unauthorised information and commenting on internal matters without prior approval, violating the Civil Servants Conduct Rules, 2026.

All postmaster generals were directed to vigilantly monitor the social media activities of staff under their control. Immediate departmental proceedings are to be initiated against those found engaging in unauthorised posts, objectionable content, or political activity.

Further disciplinary issues highlighted in the circular include unauthorised visits to the directorate general without a no-objection certificate, absenteeism without proper authorisation, and lapses in maintaining punctuality. Postmaster generals have been mandated to rigorously enforce rules concerning attendance and office discipline, warning that negligence in enforcement will also attract consequences.

In a separate development, Pakistan Post’s Director General, Maqsood Ahmed, addressed rumours about the possible privatisation of the department and employee retrenchment. He unequivocally dismissed these reports as fabricated and baseless. Ahmed outlined that Pakistan Post has initiated a comprehensive reform programme focusing on enhancing financial stability and expanding digital services for customers.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) launched an inquiry into the alleged distribution of false information targeting easypaisa Bank Limited. This action follows a formal complaint by Naresh Kumar Aruwani, Head of Country Litigation at easypaisa, who reported that misleading content on social media and digital platforms over the past fortnight aimed to destabilise confidence in the bank.

Aruwani emphasised the severity of the accusations, noting that such misinformation could damage not only easypaisa but also the wider banking ecosystem in Pakistan. He reassured the public of easypaisa’s financial health and operational status. He expressed confidence that authorities would take appropriate legal action.

The inquiry is being spearheaded by a senior officer at the NCCIA under Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA). The focus is to identify and take action against the individuals responsible for creating and spreading the content, which reportedly includes exaggerated claims about the bank’s financial position and operational continuity, spurring undue customer panic.

Easypaisa has categorically denied these accusations, describing them as “false, baseless and fake news.” Despite some recent temporary technical issues affecting digital services, which were quickly rectified, the bank confirmed these did not compromise customer deposits or overall financial stability.

In response to the ongoing situation, Easypaisa has advised its customers to rely solely on official communications and verified regulatory announcements. The bank continues to reinforce its commitment to safeguard customer interests and pursue all legal avenues to counteract the spread of misinformation.

In a significant move impacting digital entrepreneurs, the federal government announced a proposal to impose a 5% withholding tax on revenues earned by social media influencers from platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. This measure forms part of the Finance Bill, 2026, and aims to streamline tax collection from the burgeoning digital economy.

According to the Bill, both banking and non-banking financial institutions will be obligated to deduct this tax when crediting or receiving any amount in an account that represents revenue from social media platforms. This applies to both resident individuals who are active taxpayers and non-resident individuals deriving income through these channels. A five per cent tax deduction will be applicable on income received by residents who are active tax payers and non-residents will be subject to a five per cent withholding tax. As per the Bill, a social media influencer is anyone or any entity that earns an income through a social media platform.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, while presenting a national budget of Rs18,771 billion, highlighted the fragile economic situation that the government tried to balance against the backdrop of an ongoing energy crisis and Middle East tensions.

During the review of the Finance Bill 2026-27, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, approved the proposal. Discussions revealed that individuals earning up to Rs. 600,000 annually from social media would be exempt from this tax, while earnings between Rs. 600,000 and Rs. 1.2 million would attract the proposed five per cent rate.

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial informed the committee of the growing incomes being generated through social media, emphasizing the government’s intention to harness a share of these earnings through the new tax structure.

Despite some opposition from committee members like Senator Abdul Qadir, who expressed concerns over the potential deterrent effect on foreign exchange inflows and the broader digital economy, the committee moved forward with the approval of the tax imposition.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) initiated a special cyber patrolling cell to closely monitor social media platforms during Muharram. This initiative aims to prevent the dissemination of hateful, sectarian, and objectionable content, and to uphold peace and religious harmony.

NCCIA Director Ali Wasim announced that the monitoring will span from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram. The special monitoring team, led by Deputy Director Dr Muhammad Rehan Sabir, includes officers from the NCCIA’s regional offices in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan. These officers are tasked with overseeing the social media landscape for any content that could potentially incite sectarian discord or undermine national unity.

Additionally, the agency has reached out to religious scholars across various schools of thought, urging them to foster tolerance in their sermons and public speeches. The scholars are encouraged to educate their followers about maintaining communal harmony and refraining from actions that could disturb public order.

The NCCIA has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards any online activities that threaten to disrupt peace during this sensitive period. Legal action is promised against individuals caught using social media to spread incitement, hate campaigns, or religious hatred. Cases will be registered promptly against those involved in such transgressions.

Officials have been instructed to remain vigilant at their designated stations throughout Muharram, with strict penalties awaiting any member found neglecting their duties or violating operational guidelines.

In a statement released by the HEC, the commission refuted the authenticity of the records circulated online, stating they do not correlate with any data held within the HEC’s systems. The investigation concluded that the alleged leaked records were not from the HEC’s degree attestation or verification databases, dismissing the claims as baseless and misleading.

The HEC also cautioned the public against spreading unverified and misleading information that could cause unnecessary confusion.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested 11 social media activists across various cities in Punjab on accusations of allegedly disseminating anti-state propaganda and inciting unrest. The NCCIA Punjab spokesperson confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects had been under surveillance and were allegedly  involved in online campaigns against state institutions, particularly targeting the army.

Raids resulted in the apprehension of two suspects in Lahore, three in Faisalabad, four in Multan, and one in Gujranwala. These individuals face charges related to anti-state propaganda and creating public unrest. The NCCIA is currently gathering digital evidence and examining social media records to uncover potential networks and further online activities linked to the suspects.

The detained individuals have been charged under various sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), 2016. NCCIA Punjab Director, Muhammad Ali Waseem, emphasised the agency’s commitment to showing no leniency towards those engaged in such activities. He affirmed that the crackdown on such elements would persist, with stringent legal actions enforced as per the law.

Earlier this month, the NCCIA Punjab arrested 13 individuals for their involvement in anti-state campaigns on social media platforms. Some of those arrested were also accused of posting content that targeted Gulf countries.

On May 20, an Islamabad local court sentenced Umar Hayat to two years in prison in an arms case, following a previous day’s ruling where he received a death sentence for the murder of 17-year-old social media influencer Sana Yousaf. Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka, presiding over the case, also imposed a Rs100,000 fine on Hayat, with an additional month of imprisonment for non-payment.

This latest ruling under Section 13 of the Pakistan Arms Ordinance brings Hayat’s total prison time to 23 years, with cumulative fines reaching Rs2.6 million. In a two-page short order the court handed down sentences and fines to Hayat for various offenses.

On May 19, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka sentenced Hayat to death for the murder of Yousaf, who was shot at close range in her home in Islamabad’s G-13 sector on June 2, 2025. A fine of Rs 2 million was also imposed. The court also handed down a 10-year jail term and a Rs200,000 fine for robbery, another 10-year term and the same fine under defamation-related provisions, alongside a one-year term and Rs100,000 fine for a recovery-related charge.

Throughout the trial, Hayat maintained his innocence, denying his confessional statement and alleging police misconduct. He claimed that the police tortured him into signing a blank document and falsely implicated him under the influence of the victim’s social media following. Hayat also stated that he had not visited the location of the murder on the day it occurred.

Yousaf, who amassed over a million followers across her social media platforms, including 800,000 on TikTok, was known for her lip-sync videos, skincare tips, and promotional content for beauty products. Her untimely death a week after her 17th birthday shocked her extensive online community, leading to intense scrutiny and pressure on local authorities to swiftly resolve the case.

On May 11, the Senate Standing Committee on Railways requested a report from the Ministry of Railways concerning a public notice that restricts the use of railway premises by social media influencers, bloggers, and the general public for purposes such as advertising, filming, or photography. This request was made during a committee meeting chaired by Senator Shahadat Awan at the Parliament.

During the meeting, Senator Awan highlighted concerns that the notice infringes upon the fundamental right to information and access as protected by the Constitution of Pakistan. The committee expressed the necessity for the Railways Ministry to uphold transparency, especially in light of strategic projects like the ML-I project and the Railways Advanced Infrastructure Network (RAIN) and Weight in Motion (WIM) systems.

The Senate Standing Committee recommended that the ministry give a briefing on actions taken against illegal encroachments on railway land in Karachi, in the next meeting.

In a recent crackdown on cybercrime, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested a man from Multan for allegedly sharing content on social media that was deemed anti-army and anti-state. The suspect, identified as Azhar Ali, is accused of using digital platforms to disseminate material against state institutions.

An official said the arrest was made under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. Punjab NCCIA Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, who affirmed that the agency would persist in its efforts to curb the misuse of social media against the state.

The Punjab Home Department issued a province-wide advisory to administrative departments and law enforcement agencies, alerting them to an increase in WhatsApp hacking incidents and impersonation scams targeting government officials. The directive, disseminated to senior bureaucrats, police leadership and field formations in the province, comes in response to a series of security breaches involving the WhatsApp accounts of serving officers.

The advisory noted that cybercriminals have gained unauthorized access to these accounts, using them to send fraudulent messages to contacts —often colleagues or subordinates — requesting financial aid under false pretenses. These attacks exploit trust within professional networks through sophisticated social engineering tactics.

In addition to account hacking, there has been a rise in the creation of fake social media profiles. Criminals use publicly available information, such as names, designations, and profile photos, to craft convincing identities and solicit money.

The Home Department has urged government employees to exercise caution, advising against conducting financial transactions based solely on digital messages, especially those marked as urgent or confidential. It also recommends enabling security features like two-step verification and instructing staff to never share one-time passwords (OTPs) or sensitive credentials.

The advisory urged all departments and agencies to implement stringent security protocols. This includes developing advanced cybersecurity knowledge programs to protect against future breaches that could compromise official communication systems.

Pakistan Railways recently implemented stringent new rules prohibiting unauthorized media coverage within its premises. The department mandates prior written permission for all media activities concerning its operations, infrastructure, and restricted areas.

The announcement highlighted that journalists, bloggers, vloggers, and social media influencers, along with any railway employees aiding them, must obtain approval from the Railways Headquarters in Lahore before engaging in filming, photographing, or publishing any content related to the department. Non-compliance will result in legal and disciplinary actions under Pakistan’s relevant laws.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi inaugurated the upgraded Safari Train at Rawalpindi Railway Station. The minister outlined that the revamped train is part of Pakistan Railways’ broader initiative to modernize and enhance the railway system across the nation. The Safari Train, designed with air-conditioned coaches and improved seating, aims to boost domestic tourism by providing a family-friendly travel experience with short stopovers and recreational activities at various scenic stations, including Attock Khurd.

Minister Abbasi noted the rise in passenger occupancy as a sign of growing public trust in rail services. He elaborated that the Safari Train project is just one aspect of extensive reforms that include upgrading infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and introducing modern facilities throughout the railway network.

The Karachi Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) has found numerous fake social media accounts misrepresenting it.  These pages, discovered on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, are known to be spreading misleading educational content to students. The board contacted the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to seek urgent action against these fraudulent accounts.

In their communication, the board highlighted 24 fake Facebook pages, eight Instagram accounts, and one WhatsApp account, all currently active and disseminating false information.

The proliferation of these fake accounts has raised significant concerns about the potential impact on students, who might be misled by the incorrect educational material being circulated. The board’s letter to the NCCIA stressed the importance of promptly blocking these accounts and initiating a crackdown on social media pages deceiving students.

An Additional Director at the NCCIA, Tariq Nawaz, confirmed that measures are being taken in response to the board’s request. The agency is moving not only to shut down these fake pages but is also reviewing whether any of these accounts have been involved in leaking examination papers.

In its quarterly Community Guidelines Enforcement Report, TikTok revealed that between October and December 2025, the platform removed a total of 22,990,460 videos in Pakistan due to violations of its community standards. This action is part of TikTok’s broader efforts to maintain a safe and positive environment for its global user base.

The report highlights that TikTok proactively detected and removed 99.9 per cent of these videos, with 98.4 per cent being taken down within 24 hours of upload.

Globally, during the same period, TikTok removed 175,302,085 videos, which constitutes approximately 0.5 per cent of all content uploaded on the platform. Of these, the majority were removed using automated detection technologies. Additionally, 8,360,780 videos initially removed were later reinstated following further review.

The enforcement report also sheds light on the nature of the removed content. It states that 21.2 per cent of the globally removed videos contained sensitive or mature themes that did not align with TikTok’s content policies. Moreover, 9.1 per cent breached the platform’s standards on safety and civility, 1.2 per cent violated privacy and security guidelines, 1.6 per cent were flagged for misinformation, and 1.8 per cent involved edited media and AI-generated content.

The report further indicates TikTok’s efforts in account management, revealing the removal of 143,834,113 fake accounts and the suspension of 23,875,879 accounts suspected to be under the age of 13, as part of its commitment to protect younger audiences.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has proposed to amend the Income Tax Rules, 2002, aimed at integrating social media content creators into the nation’s tax framework. This initiative targets individuals who generate substantial revenue from platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram through advertisements, sponsorships, and other monetisation strategies.

According to documents, the FBR seeks to tax income accrued from content that engages Pakistani users. The proposed modifications specify that non-resident individuals deriving income from Pakistani users on social media platforms will be subject to taxation if their content reaches at least 50,000 users annually. This threshold is further broken down to 12,250 users within any quarter.

Taxable earnings will be determined by evaluating the income against allowable expenses, with considerations for the volume of content and average views. Influencers will be required to declare this income separately in their annual tax returns, ensuring transparency and compliance.

The FBR’s notification outlines a special taxation procedure whereby those falling under this new rule must calculate their advance income tax using the methods specified in rules 19M and 19N of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. The calculated tax for each quarter will then be payable or recoverable under the provisions of section 147 of the same ordinance.

Furthermore, the proposed rules allow social media influencers to claim up to 30% of their income as deductible expenses.

The FBR has opened the floor for objections and suggestions regarding these amendments, providing a seven-day window.

]]> http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/govt-names-ayaz-shaukat-as-chairman-of-social-media-protection-and-regulatory-authority/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:32:30 +0000 https://pakistanpressfoundation.org/?p=113780 Continue reading "Govt names Ayaz Shaukat as chairman of Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority"

On March 19, the Federal Government officially appointed Ayaz Shaukat, a lawyer and the incumbent Islamabad Advocate General, as the chairman of the newly established Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA). This appointment was announced by the Ministry of Interior in a notification.

The SMPRA, formed under the amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, will comprise eight members, including five who have been notified — Sohail Iqbal, Adnan Khan, Muhammad Salman Zafar, Fahad Malik, and Muhammad Saad Ali. The remaining members will be a journalist and a software engineer. The chairman and members will be appointed for five years.

The authority will function as a corporate entity.

Ayaz Shaukat is set to resign from his role as advocate general after Eidul Fitr, transitioning to lead SMPRA’s operations. The authority will also establish its principal office in Islamabad, with provision for regional offices.

Under PECA, SMPRA can issue directives to block or remove unlawful or offensive content on social media platforms. It is also tasked with managing licenses, overseeing registration of platforms and partial or full blocking of platforms that fail to comply.

Action on complaints will be taken within 24 hours.

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On February 25, the Lahore High Court (LHC) issued directives to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to take “indiscriminate action” against individuals orchestrating campaigns against the judiciary on social media platforms. During the hearing, presided over by Justice Ali Zia Bajwa, the court was informed of ongoing investigations that had so far identified 200 digital links, 79 social media accounts, and 54 individuals allegedly involved in these campaigns.

The NCCIA’s Director General, Syed Khurram Ali, reported to the court that notices had been issued to 34 of these identified individuals, and eleven suspects had been arrested. The Director General assured the court of the agency’s commitment to taking all lawful measures to protect the judiciary’s dignity and independence.

The Deputy Attorney General told the court about a report by the Ministry of Interior, which involves the constitution of an authority under Section 2-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016. This development is under consideration by the federal government.

Furthermore, the court heard from Mian Dawood, counsel for the petitioner Advocate Pervaiz Elahi Bhaddar, who argued that “stern action” had not yet been taken against those involved in the derogatory campaigns, despite previous court directions. In response, the NCCIA reiterated its dedication to curbing such contemptuous activities and upholding the rule of law.

The proceedings also included insights from the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Chairman Faisal Yousaf, who participated as amicus curiae. He discussed technological tools that could be utilized to prevent the spread of illegal online content.

In his written order, Justice Bajwa expressed concern over the alarming and persistent trend of maligning judges through unregulated social media, noting that it could influence the course of justice. He emphasized that judges speak only through their judgments and are unable to publicly address allegations.

The judge concluded by instructing the NCCIA to submit a comprehensive report at the next hearing, detailing the mechanisms in place to monitor and counteract unlawful social media campaigns against the judiciary. The date for the next hearing has yet to be announced.

On February 26, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, issued a strong rebuke of an “unethical and malicious” social media campaign targeting Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. In a video statement, Bokhari said that the campaign had been propelled by the “Fitna Party’s social media brigade” and some absconding YouTubers, who claim to be journalists, were involved.

The minister expressed disappointment over some within the journalism community accepting these individuals, stating that their actions besmirch the profession. Bokhari emphasized that actions against these “so-called journalists” are misrepresented as political victimization or attacks on freedom of expression.

Since 2014, Maryam Nawaz has been the subject of the online smear campaign, shared Bokhari, which she argued raises serious questions about the professional standards of those involved.

Bokhari stated that the persistent smear campaign has not only been ineffective in harming the Chief Minister but has also unveiled the true motives of certain social media elements. She urged the public to disregard this “unethical propaganda” and support truthful and responsible discourse.

A department spokesperson detailed that advertising and selling unapproved crop varieties are illegal activities that could severely impact the per-acre yield and overall crop productivity. The misleading promotions on social media platforms are deceiving farmers, leading to potential financial losses.

Authorities have warned that crops grown from these unapproved seeds may be destroyed as part of the enforcement measures. The department is committed to taking legal action against individuals marketing these seeds online under cyber laws.

The spokesperson reiterated the department’s dedication to protecting farmers’ interests by ensuring only approved, high-quality seed varieties are used.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said that “since the past few days, past few weeks, 90 per cent news on social media is fake.”

Naqvi said that on social media “one can post any photo, make news as per their wish and post it,” and that this would not be allowed. He added that the state would no longer allow individuals to “declare a living person dead, a dead person alive, or make any allegation they please without evidence.”

He stated that he believes in freedom of expression and the liberty to criticise,  but said these liberties do not extend to manufacturing or circulating false content.

Naqvi drew a distinction between journalists and those spreading fake news on social media. He said: “Journalists are responsible, those who are part of the national media” and work within systems of checks and balances and editorial boards, and that “those who spread fake news are not journalists for us.”

He said that if false news is reported in the mainstream media, a complaint can be filed with the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and the relevant journalist is answerable to their newsroom supervisors. He contrasted this with social media.

Naqvi said the action is “not against journalists,” but against those spreading fake news.

In response to a question about a regulatory body, Naqvi said one “is already being established.”

The petitioner argued that this content violates the Constitution, provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2016 and Pakistan Penal Code and Rule 3 of the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Contents Rules of 2021. 

He has requested the court to completely ban TikTok in Pakistan and to prevent the future introduction of similar applications that could negatively impact the country’s “moral and ethical values.”

The PHC bench, consisting of Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Sahibzada Asadullah, has directed the PTA counsel to submit its response by June 26. According to their latest transparency report, TikTok responded to over 300 requests from the government in the second half of 2023, removing 93.5% of the flagged content. This included taking down more than 12,000 videos for violating community guidelines and over 2,000 for breaching local law. Additionally, TikTok claims a proactive removal rate of 99.5% globally for content violating its guidelines in the last quarter of 2023.

Bukhari also announced the allocation of a one billion rupees budget for healthcare of the journalists’ community.

Addressing concerns and protests surrounding the Punjab Defamation Act, 2024, Bukhari acknowledged the right of journalists to voice their opinions but urged patience as the Bill has been challenged in court and its fate awaits a judicial decision.

The Punjab Assembly’s budget session on June 13 was marked by a boycott from journalists over the controversial new defamation law.

Journalists staged a walkout from the press gallery, chanting slogans against the Punjab Defamation Act 2024 and labeling it a “black law.” They protested outside the assembly building, criticizing the government for not consulting them on the legislation.

The Punjab Defamation Bill 2024, passed by the Punjab Assembly on May 20, has been a source of contention since its introduction on May 13. The Bill was passed without stakeholder consultations and allows for the establishment of special tribunals to address “fake news,” with the power to impose fines of up to Rs 3 million and block social media accounts.Pakistan Press Foundation highlighted the lack of clarity, transparency, and consultation in the drafting and approval of the bill, pointing out the potential for misuse against journalists and media professionals.  PPF had called for meaningful consultations with relevant stakeholders before further amendments or legislation were passed.

It was reported that to regulate online content, the Government of Pakistan is installing a national firewall across various internet service providers (ISPs) to control and block unwanted content on social media. 

A well-placed official, when asked if the firewall had been purchased, confirmed to The News, “It is already bought. Now it is being installed and commissioned.” 

The PTI spokesperson accused the government of being “mandate thieves” and vowed that they would resist any “unconstitutional and illegal bans” particularly on social media. 

The spokesperson condemned the allocation of billions of rupees “to silence the people and the media” and emphasized that PTI would ensure that public opinion remains unaffected by those “hiding behind the firewall.” He called for the Constitution’s restoration and the public mandate’s return.

Additionally, the PTI spokesperson strongly condemned the arrest of anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan and the government’s action preventing him from performing Hajj, despite an order from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) permitting him to travel. 

A PTCL spokesperson told Geo News: “PTCL’s traffic is not affected due to submarine cable cut.”

The spokesperson clarified that internet traffic in Pakistan remains normal and unaffected because the cable is not part of PTCL’s network infrastructure. They emphasized that PTCL’s network is functioning optimally with “no service interruption.”

However, sources within the telecom sector told Geo News that they have observed packet drops, as well as slow browsing and streaming, since April 22. The issue is believed to be linked to a cut in the SEA-ME-WE 5 cable near Indonesia, which caused five cuts on the fiber-optic submarine cable. These disruptions may take time to fully recover.

Internet service coming from the eastern direction is affected due to the cut in the optic fiber cable. PTCL and Transworld’s eastbound traffic is affected. The internet traffic coming from the eastern direction is now less than 10%, with the affected traffic being shifted to alternate channels.

The recent cable cut follows a temporary internet service disruption on April 9, affecting users across Pakistan, with outages starting around 11:35 am. Primary service providers impacted included PTCL, Nayatel, and Transworld Home, with major cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar reporting connectivity issues.

Source:  The Nation

It called upon them to play their responsible role in the campaign to curb offensive material and, in every circumstance, to utilize legal avenues to combat such content by reporting it to the relevant cyber crime authorities and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), it said.

According to details released by the ministry, nefarious elements have been actively using social media to launch a well-organized campaign aimed at undermining the ethics, behavior, and beliefs of our youth for several years. The harmful effects of social media on society have become a matter of great concern. While indecency itself is intolerable, the situation has escalated to the point of blasphemy, which is an extremely grave offense. As per the Ministry’s statement, highly organized campaigns on social media platforms are being conducted to spread extremely blasphemous material against the most revered figures, including Allah Almighty (God), the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the Ahl al-Bayt (Prophet’s family), the Mothers of the Believers, the Companions of the Prophet, the Holy Quran, and the national flag. Such offensive content is being shared through images and videos on specific applications and groups.

The Cyber Crimes wing of the FIA has apprehended individuals involved in these crimes, including doctors, professors, engineers, chartered accountants, lawyers, and people from various walks of life.

According to the ministry, the report filed by the FIA Cyber Crime and the investigation conducted by the Legal Commission in the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court revealed that more than 400,000 accounts in Pakistan are involved in disseminating such severe blasphemy. The proliferation of indecency through social media is promoting the degradation of our society and dragging the new generation into the quagmire of blasphemy. Currently, over 100 million people in the country use social media, which demonstrates the rapid spread of this evil.

In 2019, four individuals formed a blasphemous group, which was subsequently apprehended by the FIA Cyber Crime in 2022. However, by the time of their arrest, the number of members in this group had significantly increased, and this increase continues to this day.

The primary objective of this alarming trend is to create chaos in Pakistan, destabilize peace and security, and sow seeds of hatred among different religious communities and sects. The act of blasphemy is being orchestrated through conspiratorial means, using accounts with names that appear to belong to a particular religion or sect to defame and insult opposing religions or sects.

Source: Daily Times

After PTI Chairman Imran Khan, was taken into custody, PTI supporters trashed both private and public properties on May 9.

Following the incident, the authorities shut off internet access for millions of people nationwide for nearly four days on the justification that social media was a key source of incitement.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had justified the services’ blockage by asserting that the party’s “entire work,” including “the planning and the abuse, all of it is done on social media,” was done online.

Defence Minister Asif remarked in an interview, “The option to censor social media is always present. The suspension may resume at [any moment],” if necessary.

The defense minister defended his position by pointing out that social media sites are governed in China and other emerging nations, such as Europe.

The minister remarked, “Social media is regulated everywhere,” adding that the websites were used to agitate individuals, which resulted in their violent behavior on May 9.

The minister also valued the fact that those responsible for the attacks on military facilities and martyrs’ monuments were held accountable.

Asif stated that although there were legal obstacles, the administration will overcome them to pursue the idea of convicting civilians in military courts.

Source:  Minutes Minor