By Digital Spartans 
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reported a significant surge in actions against unlawful and harmful online content, blocking more than 88,000 URLs during 2024 and 2025. The move underscores the regulator’s commitment to curbing illegal digital activity and ensuring a safer online environment for Pakistani users.
Pornographic and obscene content accounted for the largest category of blocked URLs. According to official data, 38,214 websites were restricted for hosting immoral or explicit material. PTA officials said these actions were aimed at protecting social values and public decency.
Security-related content was another major concern, with 31,313 URLs blocked for material deemed harmful to Pakistan’s national security and defense. Additionally, 7,608 URLs were restricted for content violating the dignity of Islam, while 6,269 websites were blocked for promoting sectarian or hateful material, reflecting rising vigilance against online extremism.
Defamation and forgery-related content also drew regulatory action. A total of 2,498 URLs were blocked for defamation, while 353 URLs were restricted for contempt of court. Other minor categories included 15 URLs blocked for proxy service access and 1,765 for unspecified reasons.
Social media platforms accounted for a substantial portion of the restricted content. TikTok topped the list with 35,000 URLs blocked, followed by Facebook at 25,482, Instagram at 13,242, and YouTube at 8,586. Smaller platforms such as X (2,103 URLs), Likee (991), and Snack Video (345) also faced restrictions. Dailymotion recorded the fewest violations, with only three URLs blocked.
PTA officials emphasized that these actions reflect the authority’s mandate to regulate digital content and ensure compliance with national laws. The data highlights both the growing challenges of online content moderation and the government’s determination to maintain a secure and responsible digital space.