Senators slam circulation of blasphemous material on social media

The lawmakers in Senate on Friday passed a unanimous resolution to strongly condemn the circulation of blasphemous material on social media which, they declared, is in no way acceptable. The resolution was moved by Senator Kamil Ali Agha of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q). He said that the country came into being in the name of Islam must not ignore what is being done on social media against the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions.
The resolution said that recent incidents of circulation of sacrilegious material on social media are aimed at stoking anarchy in the country, adding the Constitution respects the right of freedom of expression but does not allow the profanity of any holy personality.
The resolution urged the relevant quarters to take strict action against these elements and ensure proper monitoring of the social media and other tools of information technology. Senator Agha went to the extent in saying that the use of social should be banned if this remains the situation, and no Muslim can tolerate and accept anything against the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions.
The resolution further stated that some elements committed shameful acts of blasphemy over which the government should take immediate action, adding, "We should not allow spread of blasphemous contents." The resolution was presented in the House after consultation with leaders of house and opposition in Senate on the orders of Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani, who said if all the lawmakers are agreed on it, he has no objection.
However, Senator Aitzaz Ahsan said that putting a ban on social media sites or organising protests are no solution to the problem and it is Senate's responsibility to guide nation towards the issue.
Through the resolution, the MPs demanded the government to take action against those involved in spreading such material, as there is no space for such characters making attempts to spread sacrilegious materials on social media. Last week, a local court had issued a number of orders regarding blasphemous contents on social media followed by Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan's warning who said 'if the contents can't be removed, the social media may face closure in the country.'
Later, speaking at a function on the launching of 'Report to People and other Publications on Completion of Senate Parliamentary Year 2016-2017,' Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani stressed the need for making the youth familiar with parliamentary and democratic history of the country.
He said Gali-e-Dastoor, a dedicated lane in Parliament House building, tells the history of Pakistan and democracy. He said that the curriculum taught in schools lacks information about the democratic history and struggle for democracy, adding historical facts about democratic struggle were distorted in textbooks.
He said that Senate was working effectively due to collective leadership of its members and the secretariat. "I am a difficult person to get along but the way my staff co-operates with me, is commendable," he added. He said, "The monument that was unveiled at the Parliament House lawn will remind us our long struggle for democracy. Any foreign dignitary visiting either Senate or National Assembly will lay floral wreath on the monument."