On Friday, the Senate demanded a ban on social media use for children under 18. During the session, while presenting an attention motion notice, Senator Falak Naz Chitrali said that children under 18 in Pakistan are using social media platforms without any restrictions, which is affecting their mental capabilities. On this occasion, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that immediate measures are needed to protect children under 18 from the dangers of social media; this is a national issue and should be referred to the standing committee.
Senator Fauzia Arshad said that social media has become a serious issue for parents; we must work together on it, and counseling should be provided in educational institutions. She said that not just one agency, but officers from education, IT, and interior should sit together to find a solution. Social media is a problem worldwide; we need consensus on how much the government can intervene. At this point, Presiding Officer Senator Sherry Rehman said that this is a very important issue, and this house also needs guidance on it. Provincial governments’ involvement is essential; we need to examine every aspect of social media.
Senator Afnan Ullah Khan said that he has already submitted a bill in the house regarding data protection, which should also be included.
Meanwhile, during question hour in the Upper House, issues including the indiscriminate cutting of trees in Islamabad and Chitral, and funds for climate change projects not being utilized, were referred to the committee. During question hour, Senator Zeeshan Khan Zada said that several countries had pledged $400 million in aid to Pakistan for climate change; it was stated that $62 million has been spent so far—is it that the government hasn’t received the funds, or is it the failure of the relevant institutions?
