PPP senator seeks ban on social platforms

Resolution moved by Bahramand Khan Tangi says social media is maligning armed forces

Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi of the PPP has submitted a resolution in the upper house of parliament seeking a complete ban on a number of social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube—in view of their “negative and devastating effects” on the youth.

According to the Senate agenda, this resolution will be taken up for discussion tomorrow (Monday).

The resolution stated that the social media platforms are adversely affecting the young generation in the country as they are being used to promote norms that are against religion and culture. “[The platforms are also] creating hatred among the people on the grounds of language and religion,” it said.

The resolution also "noted with concern" the use of such platforms against the interest of the country for spreading negative and malicious propaganda against the armed forces of Pakistan.

“Such platforms are being used for vested interests for spreading fake news about various issues and to create and promote fake leadership in the country to hoodwink the young generation.

“The Senate of Pakistan therefore recommends to the government of Pakistan to put a ban on Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram, X and YouTube in order to save the young generation from their negative and devastating effects,” it read.

Also read: PM hints at ‘regulating’ social media in future to curb its ‘misuse’

Interestingly, PPP-Parliamentarian Secretary General Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari on Saturday issued a statement claiming that neither the resolution nor its mover—Senator Tangi—has any affiliation with the PPP.

He said Senator Tangi was issued a show cause notice for deviating from the party policy. As he failed to offer an explanation, the PPP Charsadda president annulled his basic membership.

“Senator Tangi will retire from the Senate on March 11. He should not use the party's name,” the statement said.

For the past 10 days, Twitter—formerly known as "X"—has been inaccessible in Pakistan due to restrictions imposed by the interim government.

Last week, Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi defended the move, claiming that some elements were using social media platforms to incite violence, which is illegal.

“The government will take strict action against such illegal activities under the law. Freedom of expression under Article 19 of the Constitution is not unlimited, but subject to the law of the land.

“Under Article 19, derogatory remarks against the judiciary, armed forces, and brotherly countries are not allowed,” Solangi said at a press conference on February 22.