ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecommunications regulator on Saturday urged citizens to exercise caution and responsibility on social media amid heightened regional tensions following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory missile attacks.
In a public advisory, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) called on social media users to avoid sharing unverified or inflammatory content online.
“In view of the prevailing sensitive national situation, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) urges all citizens to be responsible while using social media and digital platforms,” the authority said.
Warning against unverified content
The PTA advised citizens not to “share, disseminate, forward, or upload any unverified, inflammatory, or misleading information/content that may directly or indirectly harm national interest, public order, or state institutions”.
It encouraged the public to rely on authentic information based on official sources and to refrain from spreading rumours or fake news.
“Sharing any fake news/information is liable to legal action in accordance with applicable laws,” the authority warned.
The PTA called on citizens to act “with caution, maturity, and a strong sense of national responsibility” to help maintain stability and public confidence.
پبلک ایڈوائزری: موجودہ حساس قومی صورتحال کے پیش نظر پاکستان ٹیلی کمیونیکیشن اتھارٹی (پی ٹی اے) تمام شہریوں سے اپیل کرتی ہے کہ وہ سوشل میڈیا اور ڈیجیٹل پلیٹ فارمز کے استعمال میں ذمہ داری کا مظاہرہ کریں۔
تمام شہریوں کو ہدایت کی جاتی ہے کہ وہ کسی بھی غیر مصدقہ، اشتعال انگیز یا… pic.twitter.com/SgxcKXMJ0H
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) February 28, 2026
Heightened tensions in the region
The advisory comes as tensions across the Middle East have surged following coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iran has responded with missile launches towards Israel and threats to target US-linked facilities in the Gulf.
Several countries in the region have closed their airspace, disrupting commercial aviation.
Global airlines have suspended or rerouted flights, citing safety concerns.
Pakistan has expressed strong concern over the developments.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has condemned the “unwarranted attacks” on Iran and called for an immediate halt to escalation through urgent diplomacy.
Dar also held telephone conversations with his Saudi and Iranian counterparts to review the evolving situation and agreed to remain in close contact, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The United Nations rights chief has urged all parties to show restraint and return to negotiations, warning that civilians would pay the highest price in any prolonged conflict.
