ISLAMABAD: The federal government of Pakistan has formally established the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA) under amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025.
According to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, Ayaz Shaukat, the Advocate General Islamabad, has been appointed as the first Chairman of the authority.
He will be joined by five members: Suhail Iqbal, Adnan Khan, Muhammad Salman Zafar, Fahad Malik, and Muhammad Saad Ali. All appointments are for a term of five years.
The authority aims to regulate social media platforms, monitor online content, and prevent the spread of illegal, harmful, or misleading information. Under the new framework, all local and international social media platforms operating in Pakistan will be required to register with SMPRA.
The authority has been granted wide-ranging powers, including the ability to order the removal of content deemed unlawful, misleading, or against state interests within 24 hours. Non-compliance could result in strict penalties, including fines of up to PKR 500 million and potential imprisonment.
Additionally, SMPRA will have the authority to partially or completely block platforms that fail to comply with regulations. Its structure includes a chairman, five private members, and three government representatives, with its headquarters based in Islamabad and potential offices in provincial capitals.
The government has described the initiative as a necessary reform to ensure responsible use of digital platforms and protect users’ data. However, critics argue that such measures could pose risks to freedom of expression and increase state control over online content.
