The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) has called for stronger legal and institutional measures to protect children from online risks, telling Islamabad High Court (IHC) that safeguarding minors from online grooming, exploitation and harmful content is a responsibility of the state. The recommendations were submitted in response to a case concerning social media usage by children under the age of 16, where the commission highlighted the need for comprehensive frameworks to ensure safer digital environments. In its 17 page response submitted before the court, NCRC acknowledged concerns raised in the petition and emphasised that effective regulations, enforcement mechanisms and technology based protections are required to address challenges faced by children using online platforms.
The commission recommended introducing stronger age verification mechanisms and integrating child online safety measures into the regulatory framework of the Digital Nation Pakistan Act. According to NCRC, age verification can play an important role in creating safer digital spaces by helping prevent children from accessing unsuitable content and reducing exposure to online risks. The commission stressed that protecting children’s digital rights requires a balanced approach that considers both access to online opportunities and safeguards against potential harm. It noted that legal and regulatory measures should be supported by effective implementation strategies rather than relying only on policy discussions. The recommendations come as children increasingly engage with digital platforms for communication, education and entertainment, making online safety a growing area of focus for policymakers and institutions.
To address technology facilitated child exploitation, NCRC recommended strengthening the capacity of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and establishing specialised systems for investigating cases involving online child sexual exploitation. The commission also called for a review and possible amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) from a child rights perspective, highlighting the need to improve existing legal protections related to minors in digital environments. NCRC further stated that digital platforms should have greater accountability for child safety and should take effective measures against harmful content, including child sexual abuse material and online grooming activities. It also recommended mechanisms for the prompt removal of such material and stronger controls to reduce unnecessary online interactions between children and unknown adults.
The commission highlighted that children’s online safety requires cooperation between government institutions, technology platforms, regulatory bodies and communities. It stated that legislation, platform responsibility and effective enforcement are essential components of a comprehensive protection framework. As digital services continue expanding in Pakistan, ensuring that children can safely participate online has become an important policy consideration. NCRC maintained that addressing online risks requires practical institutional action and stronger regulatory structures rather than limited measures. The recommendations submitted before IHC represent an effort to strengthen Pakistan’s approach toward child protection in digital spaces while maintaining a balance between children’s access to technology and the need for appropriate safeguards. The case is being represented by advocates Muhammad Jalal Haider and Yahya Farid on behalf of the petitioner.
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