A resolution supporting the prohibition of major social media platforms in Pakistan has reached the Senate, Dawn reported. The country may take action against Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
The resolution is scheduled for debate on Monday. It is aimed at protecting the younger generation from what it perceives as the “negative and devastating effects” of these social media platforms, according to Senate secretariat documents obtained by Dawn.
Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi is set to move the resolution. Tangi was formerly associated with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). He was expelled by the party last month. However, no formal reference has been made against him, and the Senate secretariat still lists him as a PPP Senator.
The resolution argues that these platforms are encouraging norms contrary to “our religion and culture,” leading to “hatred amongst the people on the grounds of language and religion.”
It stresses that using such platforms to disseminate “negative and malicious propaganda” against the armed forces goes against Pakistan’s interests.
The resolution alleges that these platforms act as conduits for disseminating fake news about different issues and are attempting to manipulate and promote false leadership to mislead the younger generation.
This latest push for a complete ban on main social media platforms coincides with ongoing disruptions to X, following a widespread backlash against the judiciary and establishment after the Pakistan General Elections 2024 on February 8, as reported by Dawn.