PPP tables resolution in Senate seeking ban on social media platforms

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Saturday tabled a resolution in the Senate, seeking a permanent ban on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, in order to "save the young generation from their negative and devastating effects".

PPP Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi moved the resolution in the upper house of the parliament.

"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 PPP Senator said in a resolution.

He expressed concern in a resolution that the said platforms are being used to propagate negative and malicious propaganda against the armed forces of Pakistan.

Senator Bahramand observed that the platforms are also "being used by vested interests for spreading fake news about various issues and try to create and promote fake leadership in the country to hoodwink the young generation".

"The Senate of Pakistan, therefore, recommends to the Government to put a ban on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter (X) and Youtube in order to save the young generation from their negative and devastating effects," the PPP leader concluded in a resolution. 

Following the motion, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has termed the act highly shameful and draconian.

In a post on X, the former ruling party said: "This is a highly shameful and draconian act by PPP, which once again stands exposed."

PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan announced to oppose the ban in the Senate, saying it "can harm the future of our country,"

"Will strongly oppose the resolution being brought by [Pakistan] People's party (PPP) in [the] senate demanding a ban on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, [and] Twitter (X). It's ridiculous!" Faisal's post on X read.

"We must emphasize upon digital literacy and privacy instead of such bans which can harm the future of our country," he added.

However, it's being reported Tangi was expelled from PPP last month.