The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revealed that more than 88,000 illegal website links were blocked during 2024 and 2025, highlighting an aggressive push to regulate unlawful online content across digital platforms.
According to official data, the PTA blocked over 88,000 URLs during 2024–25 as part of its ongoing campaign against illegal and harmful online material.
Pornographic and obscene content topped the list of blocked website addresses, reflecting the authority’s continued focus on morality-related violations.
Pornographic, immoral content
The PTA blocked 38,214 URLs for hosting obscene and immoral content. These formed the largest category of content removals during the reported period.
Officials say such action was taken to curb the spread of material considered harmful to social values and public decency.
A total of 31,313 URLs were blocked for content deemed against the security and defense of Pakistan. In addition, 7,608 website addresses were restricted for content violating the dignity of Islam.
The regulator also blocked 6,269 URLs for sectarian and hateful material, underscoring concerns over online extremism and incitement.
Defamation, contempt-related URLs
The report shows that 2,498 URLs were blocked for defamation and forgery-related content. Another 353 website links were restricted for hosting contempt of court material.
In addition, 15 URLs were blocked for accessing content through proxy services, while 1,765 URLs were restricted for other unspecified reasons.
Social media platforms accounted for a significant share of blocked content. The highest number of restrictions -- 35,000 URLs -- were imposed on TikTok.
This was followed by 25,482 URLs blocked on Facebook, 13,242 on Instagram, and 8,586 URLs restricted on YouTube.
The PTA also blocked 2,103 URLs on X, 991 on Likee, and 345 on Snack Video. Only three URLs were blocked on Dailymotion, indicating comparatively lower violations on that platform.
Digital regulation
PTA officials say the actions reflect the authority’s mandate to ensure a safer digital environment. The regulator continues to monitor online platforms closely while coordinating with service providers to enforce national laws.
The scale of blocked content highlights both the growing challenges of online regulation and the government’s resolve to address unlawful digital activity.
