Pakistan Senator Withdraws Resolution to Ban Social Media
On March 4, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi withdrew his controversial resolution calling for a sweeping ban on major social media platforms. The move followed widespread criticism from digital rights advocates, journalists, and opposition lawmakers who labeled it a severe attack on freedom of expression.
Senator Tangi initially submitted the resolution to the Senate, on March 2, arguing that platforms like Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and YouTube were spreading misinformation, hate speech, and extremism, posing a severe threat to Pakistan’s youth and society.
“I have decided to withdraw the resolution after listening to the concerns of rights activists and journalists. I believe that there are other ways to address the negative effects of social media without resorting to a ban”, Tangi stated during the withdrawal.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Saifullah Abro criticized the resolution, labeling it as an assault on the youth. He questioned its inclusion in the agenda and expressed disbelief at its origins. He pointed out that the individual advocating for the resolution to postpone elections was attempting to stifle the youth’s voice.
Digital rights activists and journalists heavily criticized the resolution the moment it appeared on the Senate agenda. They denounced it as an attempt to further restrict freedom of expression in Pakistan. This came as the country was already facing internet service disruptions due to allegations of rigging in the February 8th elections.
X already continues to be disrupted in the country since February 17. The outage coincides with restrictions imposed on virtual private networks (VPNs), further limiting access to social media platforms in the country.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned it as a violation of fundamental rights. Journalists and activists organized online protests against the resolution, highlighting how such bans stifle dissent and undermine democracy.
Source: Pakistan Press Foundation