PPP Senator Seeks Ban on All Social Media Platforms in Pakistan

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Bahramand Tangi has proposed a resolution to ban major social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube over concerns of their negative impact on the country’s youth and potential misuse against national interests.

The resolution is set for discussion in the upcoming Senate meeting on March 4 and highlights the platforms’ alleged promotion of norms contrary to religion and culture, fostering hatred based on language and religion, and spreading fake news. The resolution also accuses these platforms of being used for malicious propaganda against Pakistan’s armed forces and promoting fake leadership to deceive the young generation.

Despite the non-binding nature of the resolution, its placement on the Senate agenda has drawn attention, particularly as Senator Tangi’s tenure is set to end soon. Notably, the PPP had reportedly revoked Tangi’s party membership for failing to adhere to party discipline and not addressing a show-cause notice regarding his silence on a previous resolution seeking to delay February 8 polls. This move indicates internal party dynamics surrounding party discipline and political alignment.

The proposal for banning social media platforms coincides with ongoing restrictions on access to certain platforms like X, particularly during sensitive periods such as elections when internet services are frequently shut down. The prolonged inaccessibility of X and social media sites has faced criticism from digital rights activists, who advocate for transparency and accountability regarding such restrictions.

The resolution reflects broader concerns within Pakistan regarding the impact and regulation of social media, especially regarding issues of national security, cultural values, and misinformation. It highlights the continuous debate over how to balance free expression with the necessity for control in the digital domain.

Follow INCPAK on Google News / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram for updates.