Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Bahramand Tangi has proposed a resolution to ban major social media platforms, slated for discussion in the Senate on March 4.
The resolution targets platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter (now X), and YouTube, aiming to protect the youth from their potentially harmful impacts.
The senator’s resolution highlights concerns over social media’s role in promoting content that contradicts the nation’s religious and cultural values and incites division based on language and religion. It specifically points to the misuse of these platforms for spreading false narratives against Pakistan’s armed forces and fostering divisive and misleading information.
Despite its presentation, the resolution will not be obligatory even if approved. Tangi, whose term concludes on March 11, faces disassociation from the PPP, as indicated by Nayyar Bukhari, the party’s Secretary General. Bukhari emphasized that Tangi had already been distanced from the party due to policy deviations and had not responded to a show-cause notice.
The PPP has previously expressed disapproval of Tangi’s actions, particularly his silence on a resolution suggesting a delay in the February 8 elections, leading to the revocation of his party membership.
Amidst these political dynamics, digital rights activists criticise government efforts to restrict internet access and social media, especially given the recent unexplained blockage of X and internet shutdowns during election periods.
