Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi faced huge backlash and protests as he withdrew his resolution pushing for a ban on major social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, in Pakistan. The controversial resolution aimed to shield the youth from the perceived “negative and devastating effects” of these platforms. However, the move triggered widespread opposition, leading to Tangi retracting his proposal during a tumultuous Senate session.
Protest and Withdrawal of the Resolution
The Senate session witnessed a dual protest, with Tangi himself participating in a demonstration against the raid on Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai’s residence. Simultaneously, another protest erupted against Tangi’s social media resolution, despite his initial attempt to defend the resolution, Senator Tangi succumbed to the mounting pressure, asserting every member’s right to withdraw their proposals. The withdrawal stressed the contentious nature of the resolution and the challenges faced by lawmakers in accessing public sentiment.
Reasoning Behind the Resolution to Ban Major Social Media Platforms
Senator Tangi’s resolution argued that major social media platforms were promoting norms contrary to the country’s religion and culture, promoting hatred based on language and religion. It claimed that these platforms were conduits for spreading negative propaganda against the armed forces and facilitating the dissemination of fake news. The resolution contended that vested interests were using these platforms to create and promote fictitious leadership, deceiving the younger generation.
Amid the social media resolution drama, the Senate managed to pass six bills during the session, these bills covered diverse areas, including amendments to the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Bill, the Pakistan Emergency Treatment Coverage Programme Bill, and others. The legislative achievements contrasted with the tumultuous debate over the social media ban, showcasing the varied dynamics within the Senate.
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