Ijaz Kakakhel Islamabad
PPP Senator Bahramand Tangi has withdrawn a resolution he had earlier presented in the Upper House of parliament, demanding a ban on several social media platforms in Pakistan.
A couple of days ago, Tangi had submitted the resolution proposing the prohibition of Facebook, X, YouTube and TikTok, and services of other social media platforms, citing concerns about their negative impact on society, particularly the younger generation.
During the Senate session on Monday, when the deputy chairman invited Tangi to table his resolution, the PPP lawmaker announced he wanted to withdraw it before it could be formally presented.
The resolution highlighted that social media platforms were adversely affecting the younger generation. It further stated that these platforms promoted content against religious and cultural values, the propagation of hatred based on language and religion, and the dissemination of fake news detrimental to national interests.
“The use of social media platforms against national interests is a cause for concern,” the text of the resolution stated, adding that negative and malicious propaganda was carried out against the armed forces of Pakistan. It further maintained that vested interests used social media to spread fake news, adding that attempts were made to create fake leadership to deceive the young generation.
“The House should recommend a ban on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube,” the resolution stated, demanding the young generation be protected from negative and destructive effects by banning social media.
While the resolution highlighted valid concerns about the negative impact of social media, its withdrawal signifies a shift in approach, indicating that further deliberation and alternative solutions may be sought to address these issues.
