Pakistan’s upper legislative house, the Senate, has been urged to impose a ban on social media usage by minors under the age of 18. This move comes as a growing concern for lawmakers who claim that excessive social media use is affecting the mental abilities of young Pakistanis.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tarique Faisal Chaudhry, emphasized the need for immediate action to protect minors from the risks associated with social media. However, he did not clarify the steps the government would take to address this issue. The Minister stated that this is a national problem that should be referred to a permanent committee.
During the Senate session, Senator Fauzia Azeem highlighted the severity of social media usage as a problem for parents, calling for a joint effort to address the issue. Senator Shirin Rahman stressed the importance of the matter, emphasizing the need for guidance from the upper house of parliament and the involvement of provincial governments. Senator Afnanullah Khan suggested incorporating data protection legislation into the committee’s agenda.
The Senate session highlighted the issue of social media usage, but the discussion remained limited to a single aspect. The reality is that social media usage has become ubiquitous in Pakistan, with many sensitive topics being discussed openly. The country’s leaders have yet to fully grasp the potential of social media, which can be used to influence public opinion and sway government policies.
Pakistan is not alone in this issue. Neighboring countries like Afghanistan, India, and Iran have also faced the impact of social media on politics. In Bangladesh, a single video and image led to a change in government. India has been criticized for its use of propaganda on social media, while Iran has banned social media usage and restricted internet access.
However, even with these restrictions, millions of people took to the streets, causing significant damage to public and private property, and resulting in numerous casualties. Despite this, the Iranian government appears to have learned from its experience and has taken steps to counter American propaganda and cyber attacks.
The question remains whether Pakistan’s institutions can take a similar approach to address the issue of social media usage. The country has the necessary mechanisms to ensure responsible social media use, such as requiring users to provide their national identity card number, location, and two guarantors, among other measures. Furthermore, schools and educational institutions should conduct daily discussions on the topic.
It is high time for Pakistan’s leaders to take responsibility and implement measures to ensure that social media is used responsibly. It is also essential to hold accountable those who use social media to spread hate speech, misinformation, and propaganda. The government should take concrete steps to address this issue, rather than simply referring it to a committee.
Ultimately, the onus is on Pakistan’s leaders to take a proactive approach to address the issue of social media usage and its impact on society. The country’s citizens are waiting for action, while the government remains in a state of denial.
