Punjab Assembly moves to ban social media accounts for children under 16

A resolution introduced in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly by lawmaker Sarah Ahmad, chair of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, seeks a nationwide prohibition on social‑media accounts for anyone under the age of 16 unless parental or guardian consent is obtained through a reliable age‑verification system. The motion urges the provincial government to recommend that the federal government enact legislation enforcing the ban, task the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority with implementing age‑verification across all platforms, and hold social‑media companies accountable for removing harmful content. It cites rising concerns over cyber‑bullying, online sexual exploitation, digital addiction and the mental‑health impact of unrestricted access. The proposal references similar measures being adopted in Australia, the European Union and other jurisdictions, positioning the resolution as a recommendation to trigger federal action rather than an immediate law.