ISLAMABAD: Senators on Friday called for closer monitoring of social media platforms for children under 18, proposing the formation of a special committee to develop safeguards in consultation with relevant ministries.
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The proposal was raised through a calling-attention notice by Senators Falak Naz, Fawzia Arshad, Aimal Wali Khan, Saadia Abbasi, and Dilawar Khan. Presiding over the session, Senator Sherry Rehman suggested a committee comprising representatives from the ministries of information technology, interior, education, and law, as well as parliamentary parties and provincial governments. The final decision will rest with Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani.
Protecting children’s rights in Pakistan also requires effective monitoring of online content.Setting 18 as the age limit is not the issue the real need is age-appropriate content guidelines and strong measures to ensure children r protected at every stage#PAKCRC @mohrpakistan pic.twitter.com/6LQsHZS0YY
— Fauzia Kalsoom (@FauziaKalsoom) January 16, 2026
Senator Naz highlighted that most social media platforms are designed for adults and warned that children are exposed to inappropriate content, harassment, and exploitation. She referenced the killing of 17-year-old TikToker Sana Yousaf last year as a case underscoring the risks of unmonitored social media use. Naz called for mandatory age verification, parental supervision, and restrictions on platforms including TikTok and Instagram for users under 18.
Senator Fawzia Arshad emphasised the need for guidance and counselling in schools to discourage harmful online behaviour, noting that ages 16 to 18 are particularly vulnerable. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry described the matter as a national issue requiring coordination among education, IT, and interior ministries, and stressed engagement with cybercrime institutions such as the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Rehman noted that Australia has restricted social media use for children under 16 but said she opposed blanket bans, highlighting social media’s educational role. She urged a balanced and judicious approach.
Separately, PTI senators raised concerns about the treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife in Adiala Jail, alleging restrictions on meetings and claiming violations of legal rights. Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that jail superintendents schedule visits based on conduct and denied the solitary confinement claims.
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The Senate also discussed environmental concerns, including illegal tree felling in Chitral, which will be addressed by the Standing Committee on Climate Change.