ISLAMABAD: Amid the clamour and confusion, Pakistan\u2019s government has appointed a committee to review the country\u2019s new social media regulations.<\/p>\n

The panel has been tasked to hold consultations with all relevant segments of civil society and technology companies to regulate online content without violating personal freedoms. The process is to be completed within two months.<\/p>\n

The committee is headed by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority chairman Amir Azeem Bajwa. Other members are Eazaz Aslam Dar, Additional Secretary of the IT Ministry; Tania Aidrus, member of the Strategic Reforms Implementation Unit in the PM\u2019s Office and Dr Arslan Khalid, focal person to the PM on digital media. Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari and Barrister Ali Zafar will also be involved in the discussion, reported international media on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Pakistan\u2019s federal cabinet approved a new set of regulations on social media called \u201cCitizens Protection Rules (Against Online Harm) 2020\u201d on January 28, 2020.<\/p>\n

The regulations require social media companies to establish representative offices in Pakistan, to remove any \u2018unlawful content\u2019 within 24 hours, to prevent live streaming of any content \u201crelated to terrorism, extremism, hate speech, defamation, fake news, incitement to violence and national security.\u201d If a company does not comply, its services can be blocked and face fines of up to 500 million rupees. The officials say that the law was not meant to restrict online platforms but in fact \u201cto invite them to register in Pakistan and expand local footprint.\u201d<\/p>\n