The Prohibition of Obscenity and Vulgarity on Digital Media Bill 2025 will be presented in the upcoming National Assembly session. Introduced by PPP MNA Dr Syeda Shahida Rehmani, the bill aims to restrict obscene and vulgar content on digital platforms, with penalties ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs1 billion.
The draft law defines digital media as social media, applications, streaming services, and online or offline platforms. It covers content such as videos, dramas, web series, songs, live broadcasts, and advertisements. Prohibited material includes sexual conversations, extramarital relations, semi-nude attire, drug use, mocking hijab or family values, and content seen as against religion or the ideology of Pakistan.
Under the bill, a board, an authority, and a tribunal will be formed. The board will include religious scholars, psychologists, civil society members, legal experts, and media professionals, while the tribunal will decide cases with input from a judge, IT expert, and media representative.
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Penalties include one-year jail and Rs500,000 fine for first-time offenders, while repeated violations involving religion, women, or family values could lead to five years in prison and Rs10 million fine. Platforms will also face heavy fines if they fail to block prohibited content.
