ISLAMABAD – The federal government is considering a proposal from the Punjab administration to block access to social media for approximately a week during Muharram ul Haram due to security concerns.
According to media reports, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi will present this proposal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today. Punjab’s objective is to prevent any disturbances during the religious observance of Muharram, which features nationwide processions and large gatherings addressed by religious leaders. These events require extensive security measures, including the deployment of thousands of law enforcement officers.
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The Punjab government has cited the need to curb the spread of hate speech and misinformation as the reason for this proposed action. A letter from the Punjab Home Department indicates that the Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law and Order reviewed security and administrative measures for Muharram and decided to suggest the suspension of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram from the 6th to the 11th of Muharram. This measure aims to prevent the circulation of inflammatory content and misinformation, thereby reducing the risk of sectarian conflict.
The Home Department has forwarded this request to the Ministry of Interior, seeking prompt action to maintain peace and security during this sensitive period.
