The resolution proposed by PPP Senator Bahramand Tangi, aiming to ban major social media platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram, has been included in the Senate agenda for the upcoming meeting on March 4.
It cites concerns over the misuse of social media, including the spread of fake news to promote false leadership and its adverse effects on the younger generation.
The resolution, put forth by Senator Bahramand Tangi, advocates for the banning of several social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, citing concerns about their potential misuse against the country’s interests and their negative impact on the younger generation. It highlights the promotion of norms contrary to the country’s religion and culture, as well as the fostering of hatred based on language and religion as reasons for the proposed bans.
“Cognizant of the fact that social media platforms are adversely affecting the young generation in the country; Acknowledging the fact that these platforms are being used for promotion of norms against our religion and culture, creating hatred amongst the people on the grounds of language and religion,” the resolution read.
Senator Bahramand Tangi’s resolution, which coincides with the end of his tenure as senator on March 11, underscores concerns regarding the utilization of social media platforms in a manner that could potentially undermine the interests of the country.
The termination of Senator Bahramand Tangi’s basic membership from the PPP reportedly stems from his failure to adhere to party discipline and respond to a show-cause notice regarding his silence on a resolution seeking a delay in the February 8 polls.
The party district president, Naeem Khan Umarzai, along with other activists, highlighted Tangi’s deviation from the party’s stance during the Senate session, particularly his silence on a resolution by independent Senator Dilawar Khan advocating for the postponement of general elections.
This development coincides with the unavailability of X to Pakistanis and the disruption of internet services leading up to and during the polling day. Digital rights activists have criticized these actions by authorities, calling for transparency as the extended period of X inaccessibility remains unexplained.