Resolution Submitted in Punjab Assembly to Block TikTok Over ‘Obscenity’ Concerns

A resolution seeking a ban on the video-sharing platform TikTok submitted in the Punjab Assembly on September 12. The resolution moved by opposition member Farrukh Javed Moon, MPA from PP-161 representing Sunni Ittehad Council (backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf). It urged the federal government to impose a ban on TikTok across Pakistan.

According to the text of the resolution it is said that TikTok being misused to promote obscenity and nudity through live chat. It alleges that young boys and girls engaging in inappropriate conversations on the app and inciting each other towards immoral acts. The resolution maintained that such activities against Islamic and social values.

It further claimed that the younger generation being increasingly attracted to platforms such as TikTok for cheap fame and money-making, which, according to the resolution, leading to disorder in society. The document appeals to the federal government to immediately block TikTok and its live chat option “to save the younger generation from moral destruction.”

When contacted by Voicepk.net to provide his stance on the resolution, Farrukh Javed Moon declined to comment. Content creator and podcaster Ali Hamza, who has more than 74,000 followers on the platform, opposed the move to ban the app. Speaking to Voicepk.net, he said such bans would hinder Pakistan’s progress in technology and content creation.

Hamza pointed out that during the period when YouTube was banned in Pakistan, creators in neighboring India were able to earn millions, while Pakistan lost valuable opportunities. “Only in recent years have ordinary citizens realized that YouTube and TikTok can be used as sources of income,” he said.

He described calls for a ban as unreasonable. “Tomorrow there could be demands to ban artificial intelligence because people use AI to make memes about politicians,” Hamza remarked.

He further stated that many legislators were not familiar with how technology functions. Instead of banning platforms, he said, authorities should hold accountable those who misuse them. He referred to the case of YouTuber Saad Rehman, known as “Ducky Bhai,” who faced legal scrutiny for promoting gambling applications. According to Hamza, such measures were more effective than imposing restrictions on an entire platform.

Previous TikTok BansTikTok has faced several suspensions in Pakistan in the past, primarily due to complaints about indecent and immoral content.
On October 9, 2020, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) imposed a ban on TikTok after receiving complaints that the platform was hosting “obscene and immoral” content. The ban was lifted ten days later after TikTok assured compliance with local laws.

On March 11, 2021, the Peshawar High Court directed authorities to block TikTok, citing continued circulation of vulgar material. The order was withdrawn on April 1, 2021, following assurances from the company.

In June 2021, the Sindh High Court ordered a suspension of TikTok over similar concerns. The directive was revoked after three days. On July 21, 2021, the PTA once again blocked TikTok for allegedly failing to filter “persistent inappropriate content.” The suspension remained in effect for four months and was lifted on November 19, 2021 after TikTok provided fresh commitments to regulate content.

The resolution was submitted to the Punjab Assembly on September 12, but it has not yet been presented on the assembly floor. Debate and voting on the resolution are still pending.