Ban on Freedom of Speech in Pakistan? Senate Considers Banning Major Social Media Platforms

Pakistan Ban on Social Media: At its meeting on Monday, the Pakistani Senate is expected to consider a resolution calling for the banning of popular social media platforms due to potential "misuse" against the nation and its military forces, according to a media report on Saturday. Senator Bahramand Tangi of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), whose term as a senator expires on March 11, proposed the resolution.

Youth Protection Initiative

In an effort to "save the young generation from their negative and devastating effects," it demands that social media platforms including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube be banned. This was published by The News International.

Youth Impact Assessment

“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.

Tangi Points to Social Media's Role in Armed Forces Propaganda

According to Tangi, there are issues with social media platforms being used against the nation's interests "through negative and malicious propaganda against the armed forces of Pakistan." Even if enacted, the resolution will not have legal force behind it. It went on to claim that these platforms were being exploited by special interests to disseminate false information about a variety of topics and to attempt to "create and promote fake leadership in the country to hoodwink the young generation."

The apparent connection, despite the absence of a specific person or party, is to the imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who have successfully tapped into the millennial demographic through social media. The powerful establishment was shaken by their May 9, 2023, social media video uploads that flaunted the opulent lifestyles of army leaders.