Islamabad: While addressing the Palestine International Conference, media influencers stated that there is no complete freedom on social media, and discussing Gaza is restricted. In such a situation, the Muslim Ummah should establish its own social media platform where oppressed and subjugated people of all nations and religions can raise their voices.

On the second day, during the third (Digital Media) session of the Palestine International Conference organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, social media influencers Fuwzan Ahmed, Qaiser Ahmed Raja, Amanullah, Raja Zia-ul-Haq (Youth Club), journalist Faizullah Khan, and Asad Ijaz addressed the gathering.

Journalist Faizullah Khan remarked that claims of freedom are false, as even writing the name "Hamas" on social media is not allowed. Instead, alternative words have to be used. He added that our narrative is strong, which is why attempts are being made to suppress it.

'The existing platforms should be used cautiously. If we try to create a new platform, it will take 20 to 30 years,' he noted.

Qaiser Ahmed Raja stated that people draw courage from Gaza, whereas it should have been the other way around-that people inspire Gaza. 'There is no freedom of expression, and criticizing Israel on social media is not allowed. Voices supporting Gaza have been silenced on all social media platforms. If we win the algorithm war, we will win this war,' he remarked.

Amanullah mentioned that videos are slowed down through algorithms, and channels have been deleted. 'In the West, social media laws exist, allowing people to take legal action against platforms. This is why their channels in Europe are not being shut down, whereas in our region, we do not have the concept of free media; we have controlled media,' he deplored.

Raja Zia-ul-Haq stated that we have no control over social media, and platforms can shut us down whenever they want. 'The Muslim Ummah must establish its own social media platform. Along with using social media, we also need to be active on the ground,' he added.

Asad Ijaz noted that this is the first war in Gaza that we have witnessed live on mobile phones, adding in the U.S., surveys indicate that one in every five Americans supports Hamas. Yahya Sinwar's video was released by Israel itself, and he became a hero worldwide while Palestinians are using Telegram for social media communication, he concluded.