look news india
In view of the increasing ill effects of social media on the mental and physical development of children in the digital age, a big and strict step is being taken in India’s neighboring country Pakistan. An unprecedented proposal has been introduced in the Assembly of Pakistan’s largest and most influential Punjab province, which, if changed into law, will prevent children under 16 years of age from opening their accounts on any social media platform without the written permission of their parents or legal guardians. After this step, a new debate has started in the neighboring country regarding online safety and digital addiction of children.
Masterstroke of Istehkaam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) MLA: Sara Ahmed presented the country’s first unique proposal
This historic and first-of-its-kind resolution in the Punjab Assembly was moved by Sara Ahmed, MLA of the ruling coalition’s main ally ‘Istehkaam-e-Pakistan Party’ (IPP) on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Sara Ahmed, who is also the Chairperson of Punjab Child Protection Bureau, tabled this proposal citing the rights of children and their safety. Sara Ahmed has not only demanded the provincial government to implement it in her state, but also strongly recommended the country’s federal (central) government through the provincial administration to enact uniform digital safety laws for children across Pakistan.
Why was there a need for this strict law? State’s moral responsibility to protect from cyber harassment and digital addiction
In the draft resolution, it has been seriously underlined that ensuring the physical, mental, psychological and moral development of the country’s children is the constitutional and moral responsibility of any welfare state. In modern times, due to children’s uncontrolled and unregulated access to social media, they are increasingly becoming victims of cyber bullying, online sexual exploitation, inappropriate and obscene content, immense mental stress, severe depression and dangerous digital addiction. To stop these growing threats, there is an urgent need not only for family understanding, but also for a strong and effective legal protection cycle.
Demand for strict age verification from PTA: Social media companies will have to implement strict security system
The proposal for this new law not only talks about imposing restrictions, but also demands the creation of a technical framework to strictly implement it on the ground. According to the proposal, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will have to implement a highly effective and mandatory age verification system for all global social media giants (like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X) operating in the country. Only after the implementation of this strong technical filter, it will be ensured that no underage child can misuse these platforms by hiding his true age or creating fake profiles.
Surveillance on children is increasing globally: Preparations on the lines of Australia and European Union
This proposal which came in the Punjab province of Pakistan is not the thinking of any one country, but at present the governments of the whole world have become very serious about the online behavior of children. Medical and psychological research is continuously proving that excessive use of social media is ruining the mental health of children. In view of this, recently Australia and many member countries of the European Union (EU) have implemented strict age-based restrictions and laws to limit children’s access to social media platforms. Following the same path, neighboring countries are also moving towards strict regulation for the bright and safe future of children.