On October 27, 2026, the Islamabad High Court issued an interim order demanding that Pakistan's chief digital regulators explain their actions to curb online harassment and blackmail, warning of judicial scrutiny if they fail. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir instructed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to provide comprehensive reports on the enforcement of existing statutes and identify shortcomings.

What the Order Requires

Justice Tahir's directive, filed after Dr Raana Ahsan's petition, called for a federal meeting of relevant bodies to pinpoint coordination gaps, clarify statutory duties and create a unified enforcement plan. The court noted that the petition raised significant public-interest issues about online safety, misuse of electronic and broadcast media, the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks and the protection of citizens' fundamental rights.

In plain terms, the IHC is dissatisfied with how the laws are being applied and seeks documented proof from each regulator that the system functions for the public.

Agencies Required to Report

The order mandates the federal government, PTA, PEMRA and NCCIA to submit detailed accounts of how laws preventing online harassment, blackmail and unauthorized sharing of private material are being implemented. It also directed the Ministry of Information Technology, along with the same agencies and other relevant ministries, to hold a meeting to uncover legal, administrative and technical obstacles to law enforcement.

Authorities must describe steps taken or proposed to overcome these hurdles and indicate where inter-agency coordination is needed.

This matters because complaints often bounce between bodies: a victim may approach PTA, which points to the platform; the platform may not respond; NCCIA may request more evidence. The court is calling out this cycle and urging each entity to assume responsibility.

PTA Takedown Rates Show Wide Gaps

The written order incorporated a PTA report outlining how often requests to block illegal content were acted upon on various platforms. The report showed blocking rates of 48.42% on X, 78.57% on Facebook, 79.52% on Instagram, 87.34% on YouTube and 88.68% on TikTok.

These figures reveal that nearly half of the takedown requests sent to X (formerly Twitter) are ignored, while TikTok and YouTube comply at much higher levels. For users whose private material is being shared without consent, the platform involved can determine whether any relief is achieved.

Social Media Firms Still Unregistered

The order noted that social media companies have been asked to complete PTA registration and appoint local representatives for complaint handling, but the authority has not received affirmative responses.

PTA reports that operators often refuse removal requests. Without a local representative, the PTA or courts lack a direct point of enforcement, creating a core gap the order seeks to close. While PTA possesses legal tools under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA), the court is questioning whether those tools are being used.

Unused Powers Under PECA

The court highlighted that PECA provides for a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority with broad powers to block unlawful content, yet this body has not been fully established. The IHC essentially asks why the existing law and powers remain idle.

For observers of PTA's telecom regulation, this order adds judicial pressure atop existing administrative oversight, meaning courts are now directly monitoring regulator performance.

Next Steps

A further hearing is scheduled for November 23, 2026, to review the submitted reports.

Between now and that date, PTA, PEMRA and NCCIA must prepare compliance reports, and the Ministry of IT must convene the coordination meeting. Failure to meet the deadline or providing vague answers could prompt additional court action.

This development signals ordinary Pakistanis that unresolved online harassment complaints may soon be handled more effectively, as the issue moves from policy debate to a court-mandated directive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the IHC order on October 27, 2026?

The Islamabad High Court directed PTA, PEMRA and NCCIA to submit comprehensive reports on enforcing laws against online harassment and blackmail, and instructed the Ministry of IT to hold a joint coordination meeting with the three agencies.

Which social media platform has the worst takedown compliance in Pakistan?

According to PTA data, X (formerly Twitter) recorded the lowest compliance at 48.42%, while TikTok led with 88.68%.

What law covers online harassment in Pakistan?

The primary legislation is the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA), which empowers PTA to request removal of unlawful content and provides for a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, though that authority is not yet fully operational.

When is the next IHC hearing on this case?

The next hearing is set for November 23, 2026, when the court will examine the compliance reports from PTA, PEMRA, NCCIA and the Ministry of IT.