Senator Withdraws Resolution Seeking Ban on Social Media Platforms

Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi, formerly associated with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), has withdrawn a resolution aimed at banning major social media platforms in Pakistan.

The resolution, which sought to prohibit networks such as Facebook, Twitter (formerly known as X), TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, cited concerns about their negative impact on the youth, religious sentiments, and cultural values of the country.

Senator Tangi had argued that these platforms were contributing to the spread of misinformation, hatred, and malicious propaganda against the country and its armed forces. He urged the government to implement a ban to safeguard the younger generation from these adverse effects.

However, the resolution faced significant opposition from other political parties and civil society groups, who viewed it as a threat to freedom of expression and access to information. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) warned that such a ban would violate citizens’ constitutional rights and undermine the democratic process.

The PPP distanced itself from the resolution, stating that it had terminated Senator Tangi’s membership for violating party policy and discipline. Eventually, the resolution was withdrawn by Senator Tangi after it was not taken up by the Senate.