The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked 184 websites and mobile applications linked to online gambling and betting.
This was revealed by the Cabinet Division in a written reply submitted to the National Assembly on Wednesday.
The response stated that the action was taken in line with Pakistan’s laws, which prohibit gambling in any form. The blocked platforms were involved in promoting or facilitating betting activities online.
According to the Cabinet Division, the PTA has taken action only within its legal authority. It clarified that taking legal action against individuals running or using these platforms falls outside the PTA’s jurisdiction.
“All relevant institutions have been instructed not to sign agreements with companies involved in gambling,” the reply added.
The Cabinet Division further noted that the PTA’s powers to block or remove illegal content are limited under the existing legal framework. However, the authority continues to monitor and restrict access to such platforms as part of its mandate.
Earlier, the PTA also warned social media users to refrain from posting or promoting illegal content online.
In a separate advisory, the PTA reminded the public that freedom of expression must not be misused to spread unlawful content. The authority said that uploading or sharing material considered blasphemous, obscene, fake, or hateful is a punishable offense under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
The PTA emphasized that it will continue to take action against digital content that violates national laws or promotes harmful activities.
