Punjab’s provincial legislature took decisive action protecting children recently. The Punjab Assembly passed a resolution calling for social media restrictions specifically. Therefore, Punjab Assembly social media ban proposals target children under 16 years old. Child Protection Bureau chairperson Sarah Ahmad submitted this resolution in July. It calls for comprehensive legislation and institutional coordination protecting young users. Federal and provincial institutions must collaborate implementing these protective measures effectively.
The resolution identified multiple serious risks children face online currently. Cyberbullying represents a significant concern threatening children’s wellbeing continuously. Additionally, online sexual exploitation poses severe dangers to vulnerable minors. Furthermore, inappropriate content exposure creates lasting psychological impacts. Mental stress from social media use also received specific attention. Therefore, these combined risks justified this legislative recommendation comprehensively.
International precedents informed this Punjab Assembly social media ban proposal significantly. The resolution referenced restrictions already implemented in Australia specifically. Additionally, France and China have introduced similar protective measures. Several United States states also regulate children’s social media access currently. Therefore, Pakistan could learn from these international regulatory approaches effectively.
This resolution emerges amid broader global regulatory trends internationally. Multiple countries increasingly restrict children’s social media access systematically. Australia and the European Union have introduced age-based restrictions specifically. Meanwhile, other governments explore stronger age verification systems. Additionally, enhanced online safety measures receive consideration globally. Therefore, Pakistan’s proposal aligns with international child protection movements.
This resolution functions as a formal recommendation to federal authorities specifically. Telecommunications and internet regulation fall under federal legislative authority. Additionally, digital platform oversight requires federal government action. Therefore, Punjab Assembly social media ban advocacy requires federal implementation ultimately. Provincial recommendation alone cannot create binding national policy.
The Punjab Assembly addressed additional social justice matters during this same session. A separate resolution sought equal religious education access for minority prisoners specifically. Treasury member Raheela Khadim moved this important resolution. The House subsequently adopted it through majority vote support.
This resolution referenced existing prison rules specifically. Rule 215 of Punjab Prison Rules 1978 allows sentence remission opportunities. Prisoners completing religious education can receive this benefit currently. Official data revealed significant utilization among Muslim prisoners specifically. Approximately 2,558 Muslim prisoners received this facility between 2020 and 2025.
The resolution demanded equal treatment for minority religious communities specifically. Christian, Hindu, Sikh and other minority prisoners deserve equal opportunities. They should access their respective religious curricula for study purposes. Additionally, they should appear in relevant examinations fairly. Furthermore, sentence remission should apply equally following successful completion. Finally, both resolutions demonstrate Punjab Assembly’s broader commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, from children navigating digital risks to prisoners seeking equal religious education opportunities regardless of their faith background.
