Peshawar( Khyber Point)The Peshawar High Court has directed the federal government and other relevant authorities to submit their responses in a case concerning the regulation of TikTok and the alleged spread of obscene content on the platform.
A division bench comprising Justice Naeem Anwar and Justice Kamran Hayat heard the petition filed by lawyer Nauman Mohib Kakakhail. During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel argued that TikTok has become a hub for the circulation of indecent and immoral material, particularly through its live sessions, where individuals allegedly engage in vulgar conversations and inappropriate acts to earn money.
He stressed that such content is having a damaging impact on society, especially on youth. The counsel further pointed out that while a Social Media Regulatory Authority was introduced through amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), it has yet to become operational. In the meantime, he said, authorities such as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have failed to effectively curb the uploading of objectionable material on the platform.
After hearing initial arguments, the bench issued notices to the federal government, the PTA, the FIA, and the yet-to-function Social Media Regulatory Authority, directing them to file written responses in the matter.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the regulation of digital platforms in Pakistan and the government’s struggle to balance freedom of expression with curbing immoral or harmful content. TikTok, which has a massive following in Pakistan, has faced repeated bans in the past over similar complaints of indecent material.
The court adjourned the hearing after ordering the respondents to submit their replies. The matter will be taken up again following the receipt of responses.
