Pakistan’s new Social Media regulator has not started working despite the appointment of its chairman and board members. Officials say the authority is still waiting for government funding before it can begin operations.
The Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA) was created to regulate digital platforms operating in Pakistan. However, it currently has no office, staff, or operational secretariat. These limitations have delayed its official launch.
According to government officials, SMPRA has asked the Ministry of Finance to provide the required budget. The funding will help the authority recruit employees, establish an office, and manage its daily operations.
Officials said financial approval is necessary before the regulator can become fully functional. They added that administrative work is still in progress, and the authority is also preparing its rules and regulations.
The tribunal that will work alongside SMPRA has also not been established yet. Both the authority and the tribunal remain in the implementation phase. Legal and administrative procedures must be completed before they can begin exercising their responsibilities.
SMPRA was established under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) Amendment Act 2025, which Parliament approved in January 2025. The federal government officially formed the authority in March 2026.
Islamabad Advocate General Ayaz Shaukat was appointed as the chairman of the authority. Other board members were also named at the same time to oversee the regulator’s future operations.
The Social Media regulator will supervise major digital platforms operating in Pakistan. These include Facebook, YouTube, X, Instagram, and TikTok. The authority will also oversee the registration of local and international social media companies.
Under the law, SMPRA will monitor online content and take steps to improve digital safety. It will work to protect users from cyberbullying, online harassment, and digital fraud.
The regulator will also have the authority to order the removal of illegal or harmful content. Social media platforms may be directed to remove objectionable material within 24 to 48 hours after receiving official instructions.
In addition, SMPRA will be able to impose fines of up to Rs. 500 million on companies that fail to follow Pakistan’s digital laws. The authority may also recommend blocking platforms that repeatedly violate legal requirements.
Officials said these enforcement powers will only be used after the authority becomes fully operational. This depends on the approval of its budget, recruitment of staff, and completion of its regulatory framework.
In other news read more about Could Punjab Ban Social Media for Under-16s? A New Proposal Sparks Debate
The government believes the new Social Media regulator will help improve online safety and strengthen digital governance across Pakistan. Until then, SMPRA will remain in the setup phase while financial and administrative arrangements continue.
