Online gambling applications have been operating unchecked in Pakistan raising serious concerns about financial fraud, moral decline, and money laundering. In a recent development, a writ petition has been filed before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) urging the government and regulatory authorities to ban gambling apps and websites completely. The case highlights the urgent need to regulate the digital ecosystem to safeguard Pakistan’s social, financial, and religious values.
The Petition Against Gambling Apps
Chaudhry Tabir ul Haq, a citizen of Islamabad approached the Islamabad High Court under Article 199 of the Constitution demanding decisive action against online gambling operators. The petition was filed through Barrister Imran Rashid and Advocate Waheed ur Rehman Qureshi.
Key Respondents in the Case
The petition names several federal institutions as respondents:
- Federation of Pakistan through the Ministry of Interior
- Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
- Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
- State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)
- Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)
Laws Being Violated
The petition argues that online gambling not only damages society but also violates several national laws.
| Law / Act | Relevance to Gambling |
| Public Gambling Act, 1867 | Prohibits gambling activities in Pakistan |
| Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) | Penalizes illegal betting and fraud |
| Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010 | Prevents money laundering and terror financing |
| PECA 2016 (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) | Grants PTA authority to block unlawful websites/apps |
Religious and Constitutional Grounds
The petition relies on Articles 2-A, 3, 37(g), and 227 of the Constitution of Pakistan which mandate that laws and governance must conform to the principles of Islam. Since gambling is strictly prohibited in Islam, the petitioner argues that the government must act decisively to eliminate its digital presence.
Social and Economic Impact of Gambling Apps
The unchecked rise of online gambling in Pakistan has caused:
Moral Decline: Youth are increasingly exposed to gambling culture.
Psychological Damage: Addiction leads to depression, anxiety, and family breakdowns.
Financial Ruin: Vulnerable individuals lose savings in betting schemes.
Reputation Risks: Failure to act could tarnish Pakistan’s global standing, especially with FATF.
Criticism of Regulatory Authorities
The petition accuses key institutions of negligence:
PTA: Failing to block gambling websites and apps despite having legal authority under PECA 2016.
SBP: Not ensuring proper monitoring of mobile wallet transactions linked to betting.
FIA: Lack of investigation into illegal financial flows and fraud.
PEMRA: Allowing unchecked advertisements promoting gambling.
Demands of the Petition
The petitioner has requested the Islamabad High Court to issue directives for immediate action.
Requested Court Orders
Ban and block all gambling apps and websites in Pakistan.
Instruct SBP and digital wallet providers to detect and prevent gambling-related transactions.
Direct FIA to investigate and prosecute individuals facilitating online betting.
Order PEMRA to ban gambling advertisements and launch awareness campaigns.
Implement strict oversight mechanisms for financial service providers.
Future Implications if Ban is Enforced
If the Islamabad High Court rules in favor of the petition, Pakistan could see:
A nationwide crackdown on gambling apps and advertisements.
Stronger monitoring of digital payment systems to curb money laundering.
Improved compliance with international financial regulations such as FATF.
Protection of youth and vulnerable groups from gambling-related harms.
