The Punjab administration has recommended to the Federal Interior Secretary that social media be banned from the 6th to 11th of Muharram to curb hate propaganda and disinformation and prevent sectarian bloodshed.
The government of Pakistan is keen to ensure a safe environment during Muharram processions and gatherings. To do this government is keen to take necessary and precautionary to avoid any unwanted incidents.
According to media reports, the Punjab government has decided to prohibit social media and enhance security during Muharram.
In this context, a letter has been issued to the Federal Interior Secretary, requesting that social media applications be banned from the 6th to 11th of Muharram.
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The Punjab government has made suggestions to prohibit Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. The administration has also proposed that WhatsApp be prohibited.
The Punjab administration had previously considered shutting down social media applications on Muharram 9 and 10.
However, the evidence revealed that there were more variables at play than initially seemed, with claims of cross-border sharing of hate literature and memes, as well as financing — reportedly to establish law and order. “Simple suspension of internet and mobile jamming may not work in the current circumstances,”
The federal government will make the final decision about the ban.