The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has urged citizens to actively report any anti-state content found on social media or across the internet. The authority emphasized that online material targeting Pakistan’s defence, integrity, or national security violates the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and is a punishable offence.
In an official advisory, PTA stated that the public should immediately flag such content both to the relevant social media platform and to the PTA itself for review, removal, or blocking. The directive aims to strengthen digital vigilance and prevent the spread of harmful or unlawful material that undermines Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Reporting Anti-State Content: How Citizens Can Take Action
According to PTA, any online material that promotes hostility, spreads disinformation, or attacks Pakistan’s institutions should be reported to the National Counter-Terrorism and Cybersecurity Intelligence Agency (NCCIA) in addition to the PTA.
Citizens are encouraged to:
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Use built-in reporting features on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
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Share the reported links or screenshots with PTA’s cybercrime reporting channels.
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Contact the NCCIA in cases where content appears to incite violence or threaten national security.
The authority highlighted that this collective vigilance helps ensure that Pakistan’s online spaces remain safe from propaganda, extremism, and disinformation campaigns.
PECA Act Defines Penalties for Anti-State Digital Activity
The PTA reminded the public that the PECA Act 2016 clearly categorizes online activity targeting the state’s defence, public order, or national integrity as an illegal act. Those found guilty of producing, sharing, or promoting such content may face imprisonment, heavy fines, or both under existing cybercrime laws.
Authorities have intensified monitoring mechanisms to track the origins and spread of digital propaganda, especially material linked to foreign-sponsored networks or domestic entities attempting to destabilize national institutions.
“The public’s cooperation is essential to protect Pakistan’s digital space from misuse and to counter narratives that threaten our unity,” a senior PTA official stated.
Strengthening Cybersecurity and Public Awareness
Pakistan’s telecom regulator has been working with the NCCIA, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and social media companies to streamline the process of content removal and to enhance online accountability. Efforts are also being made to introduce faster digital complaint systems that allow users to report suspicious material directly through mobile apps or email portals.
Public awareness campaigns are underway to educate users about responsible social media behavior, privacy protection, and how to avoid unintentionally sharing unverified or harmful information.
The PTA also urged influencers, journalists, and online content creators to verify information before posting, stressing that sharing false or inflammatory material can have serious legal consequences.
The PTA’s recent directive reflects Pakistan’s growing emphasis on digital governance and national cybersecurity. By urging citizens to report anti-state content, the regulator aims to foster a safer, more responsible online environment while upholding constitutional values and national integrity.
As digital platforms continue to shape public opinion, the PTA’s campaign highlights the shared duty of both state institutions and citizens to protect Pakistan’s digital ecosystem from misinformation and malicious intent.
