During Ashura processions in Pakistan, social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram experienced disruptions, with access restricted across multiple service providers on Wednesday. The disruption coincided with significant Muharram 10 processions commemorating the martyrdom of the Prophet’s grandson. NetBlocks reported that authorities typically limit mobile internet services on this day.
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Downdetector, a real-time monitoring service, confirmed issues with accessing Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta. Earlier, the Punjab government had requested the interior ministry to shut down these social media apps from Muharram 6 to 11 to prevent the spread of hate material and misinformation and curb sectarian violence. However, the request was denied for unspecified reasons. Despite the social media disruptions, mobile phone services remained operational, unlike previous years, alleviating some of the communication challenges faced during such events.
