On October 30, the federal government officially appointed Barrister Syed Azfar Ali Nasir to lead the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority as chairman for a duration of five years, according to an official notification.
Authorities made this selection under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, as Pakistan moves forward with its updated cybercrime legislation establishing a formal framework for digital platforms.
Previously, Nasir worked as a minister in the 2023 Punjab caretaker administration headed by Mohsin Naqvi. During that time, he managed the portfolios of Auqaf, Religious Affairs, Zakat, and Ushr, alongside Housing and Urban Development duties.
His tenure in the caretaker cabinet also involved participation in development projects, such as urban infrastructure initiatives.
In his new capacity heading the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, Nasir will manage the body tasked with supervising social media platforms across Pakistan. This organization holds the power to issue compliance directives, handle grievances, and penalize platforms breaking existing laws.
