The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has stressed that responsible use of social media is a shared national responsibility, urging citizens to exercise caution and restraint while engaging on digital platforms. Users have been advised to avoid sharing or promoting illegal, hateful, defamatory, or false content online.
The authority said that the spread of misleading or harmful content against state institutions, the judiciary, or individuals undermines public trust and disrupts social harmony. Such practices, it added, fuel polarization and can have serious consequences for societal stability.
PTA noted that misuse of digital platforms not only harms individuals and institutions but also weakens the overall digital ecosystem.
It emphasized that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it comes with responsibilities and must be exercised within legal and ethical limits.
Referring to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, PTA warned that unlawful online activities are punishable offences under the law. The authority reiterated that legal action may be taken against individuals involved in spreading illegal or harmful content on social media.
