Citizen Urges Islamabad High Court to Ban Online Gambling Apps—A Step Toward Protecting Society
In a significant and proactive move to preserve Pakistan’s social, financial, and moral values, Islamabad resident Chaudhry Tabir ul Haq has submitted a writ petition to the Islamabad High Court under Article 199 of the Constitution, seeking a ban on online gambling apps. The petition targets platforms like Betway, 1xBet, Bet365, and others believed to be operating unregulated across digital payment networks and deceptive online marketing channels.
Represented by Barrister Imran Rashid and Advocate Waheed Ur Rehman Qureshi, the petition names key federal institutions—including the Ministry of Interior, PTA, FIA, State Bank of Pakistan, and PEMRA—as respondents. It urges them to act decisively against the exploitation of loopholes in platforms like Easypaisa, JazzCash, and SadaPay, which are allegedly misused for disguised betting transactions.
The petition highlights how unchecked online betting not only clashes with Islamic teachings, but also violates the Public Gambling Act 1867, the Pakistan Penal Code, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2010—while enabling large-scale financial crimes and money laundering.
Moreover, it points out regulatory inaction: the PTA allegedly has not fulfilled its duty to block these apps under PECA 2016, and the SBP and FIA are criticized for not monitoring or investigating illicit financial flows tied to gambling .
Drawing on constitutional principles like Articles 2-A, 3, 37(g), and 227, the petition calls on the court to:
- Direct the PTA to block gambling apps, websites, and ads
- Instruct the SBP and digital financial services to prevent gambling-related transactions
- Order the FIA to investigate and prosecute those facilitating online betting
- Command PEMRA to ban gambling advertisements and launch awareness campaigns
- And implement any additional measures necessary to protect public interest and uphold constitutional mandates
This initiative highlights the urgent need to shield vulnerable populations—especially youth—from moral, psychological, and economic harm, while safeguarding Pakistan’s international credibility in the financial sector
