In a first, a social media policy has been drafted and is expected to be introduced soon in Balochistan, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced last week.
The policy, which was approved in October last year by the provincial cabinet, will facilitate the development of a regulatory framework for social media, according to the government.
In a report published by Dawn.com, CM Bugti stressed the need for guidance for youth, given the power and influence of social media.
“In today’s world, the influence of social media cannot be ignored,” CM Bugti said. “It can either serve as a tool for progress or a weapon for misinformation.”
The minister noted that although digital media offers a space for dialogue on accountability and criticism, it has the potential to misguide young people.
Moreover, CM Bugti remarked that the government would address and incorporate feedback from relevant stakeholders with regards to gaps in governance. “We will welcome positive criticism and use it to strengthen our reform process.”
According to CM Bugti, the objective of the legislation is to make social media a productive space. “Our goal is to block the way of negative propaganda and turn social media into a tool for improvement,” he said.
