Pakistani Muslim protesters cross barbed wires as they attempt to reach the US embassy during a demonstration against the anti-Islam film in Islamabad on September 14, 2012. – AFP Photo

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulation Authority (Pemra) and the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) to block blasphemous content on a social media website, DawnNews reported.

The apex court issued the order after taking a suo motu notice of blasphemous content on the website.

The court had taken a suo motu notice of the blasphemous film and ordered the registrar office to prepare a notice on it.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said that Pemra and PTA should exercise greater caution regarding the material that is present on the Internet.

Moreover, the chief justice remarked that the PTA chairman would be summoned to court.

Justice Khilji Arif Hussain also remarked that the non-removal of blasphemous content from the website was unfortunate.

The court’s decision came in the wake of widespread protests in Pakistan and other countries with sizeable Muslim populations against an anti-Islam film available on the Internet.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...