LAHORE: An appeal has been filed in the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) challenging objections raised by its registrar to a constitutional petition seeking measures to restrict access to social media platforms by children below 16 years of age.

Supreme Court’s lawyers – Sheraz Zaka and Moin Akhtar – who filed the appeal in person, have urged the FCC to set aside the registrar’s order and order fixing hearing of their petition.

The appellants contend that the registrar’s office cannot determine questions of maintainability, locus standi or availability of an alternative remedy through an administrative order.

They said such issues are judicial questions to be decided by the court after hearing the petitioners. They relied on a 2022 Supreme Court judgement in support of their contention.

The main petition, which was dismissed by the registrar, sought directions to the relevant authorities to take legislative and regulatory measures to restrict social media access for children under 16 and to perform their statutory obligations.

The lawyers argue that the matter involves public importance and fundamental rights, including the rights to life, dignity and education and the state’s obligation to protect children.

The appellants maintain that children are being exposed to harmful and age-inappropriate content, cyber bullying, exploitation and compulsive design features without effective safeguards.

They argue that the petition is maintainable in the public interest because it concerns a large and vulnerable class unable to approach the court independently.

They also contend that the availability of an alternative remedy does not bar the FCC’s jurisdiction where fundamental rights and questions of public importance are involved.

They have requested the FCC to set aside the registrar’s order and direct that the constitutional petition be heard on merits.

The appeal has been filed at the Lahore registry through an advocate on record.

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2026