The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly opposes the proposed Senate resolution advocating for a ban on major social media platforms, expressing concerns over its infringement upon people’s constitutional right to freedom of expression and its adverse impact on democracy.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the HRCP warned members of the upper house against endorsing such measures, emphasizing that such actions could undermine democratic principles. The statement comes in response to reports that the Senate will deliberate on a resolution, submitted by Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi of the PPP, calling for the prohibition of several social media sites including X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
The resolution argues that these platforms promote norms conflicting with religious and cultural values and fuel animosity based on language and religion. It also raises concerns about their use in spreading negative propaganda against the armed forces of Pakistan and manipulating public opinion.
The HRCP criticized the resolution as impractical and nonsensical, particularly given that social media platform X has been inaccessible since February 17. It pointed out the irony of political parties, state institutions, and legislators, including Senator Bahramand Tangi, continuing to use X via virtual private networks (VPNs).
The HRCP underscored the importance of social media in empowering citizens to exchange information, advocate for their rights, and hold authorities accountable. It argued that restricting digital freedoms demonstrates a lack of understanding of modern democracies and economies.
Furthermore, the HRCP lamented the government’s history of arbitrarily shutting down social media platforms for purported security reasons, noting that such actions have not improved societal safety. Instead, it urged the Senate to address pressing issues such as youth unemployment and access to education.
While acknowledging the need to regulate social media to prevent hate speech and incitement to violence, the HRCP stressed the importance of transparent enforcement and consensus-building with civil society.
In conclusion, the HRCP called on civil society and digital rights activists to oppose arbitrary restrictions on social media, including rumored bans on VPNs and demanded the immediate restoration of platform X.
