The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) revealed that more than 88,000 illegal website links were PTA blocked during 2024 and 2025. The move reflects an aggressive push to regulate unlawful online content across Pakistan’s digital platforms.
According to official data, the majority of the PTA blocked URLs were related to pornographic and immoral content. A total of 38,214 URLs were removed for hosting obscene material. Officials stated that such action aims to curb harmful content that affects public decency and social values.
Content threatening Pakistan’s security and defense accounted for 31,313 URLs blocked, while 7,608 links were restricted for violating the dignity of Islam. The regulator also blocked 6,269 URLs for sectarian and hateful material, highlighting concerns over online extremism.
Other restricted content included defamation and forgery, with 2,498 URLs PTA blocked, and 353 URLs were removed for contempt of court material. Additionally, 15 links were blocked for bypassing restrictions through proxy services, while 1,765 were restricted for unspecified reasons.
Social media platforms were heavily impacted. TikTok had the highest number of blocked URLs at 35,000, followed by Facebook with 25,482, Instagram at 13,242, and YouTube with 8,586. Other platforms affected include X (2,103 URLs), Likee (991), and Snack Video (345). Dailymotion had only three URLs restricted, showing lower violations.
PTA officials emphasized that these actions reflect their mandate to create a safer digital environment. The authority continues to monitor online platforms and works with service providers to ensure compliance with national laws.
The scale of blocked content underscores the growing challenge of online regulation. It also highlights the government’s determination to address illegal and harmful digital activity. Citizens are advised to report unlawful content to the PTA to further strengthen the online safety framework.
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This initiative demonstrates the PTA’s ongoing commitment to protecting users while promoting responsible internet usage in Pakistan.
