Federal govt rejects Punjab’s proposal to ban social media during Muharram

LAHORE: The Punjab government has recommended banning social media from 6 to 11 Muharram to control hate speech and misinformation to avoid sectarian violence.

In a letter written to the interior ministry, the Punjab government requested the suspension of social media applications including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter), TikTok, etc across the province during Muharram.

However, the federal government has turned down the Punjab government’s request to suspend social media platforms and directed the authorities concerned to make foolproof security arrangements during Muharram.

According to the sources, the interior ministry has allowed to turn off mobile phone signals only in those places where processions and gatherings are held to maintain peace.

The decision, along with tightening security arrangements, was taken during the Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order (SCCLO). Punjab Home Department argued that shutting down the internet would not be enough as it causes problems for the general public. To address, misinformation and hate material SCCLO decided to ban social media platforms as it was used to disseminate hate material.According to sources, the provincial government had decided to go beyond the suspension of internet and mobile jamming for Ashura after receiving information of “cross border elements attempts” to disrupt peace in the country.