Punjab Government Recommends Six-Day Social Media Ban during Muharram
On July 4, the Punjab government requested the federal government suspend social media platforms for six days from Muharram 6 to 11, citing security concerns.
The request was officially communicated to the Ministry of Interior and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The proposed suspension covers platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
In a letter addressed to the federal authorities, the Punjab Home Department expressed concerns over the potential misuse of social media to incite violence and disrupt public order during Muharram.
The government has outlined specific dates for the suspension, aligning with significant processions and gatherings that mark the first 10 days of Muharram, mainly the 9th and 10th, which are observed with large public processions and heightened security measures.
The Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order (SCCLO) and the Punjab Home Department have expressed concerns that shutting down the internet would cause problems for the general public. They noted that most misinformation and hate material is disseminated through social media apps, which can be used even when internet services remain suspended.
Additionally, the provincial government has suggested that the federal government take preemptive measures against any attempts to disrupt public order through social media.
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