Social Media Ban
LAHORE: The Punjab government has requested the interior ministry to shut down social media apps across the province from Muharram 6 to 11 to prevent the spread of hate material and misinformation, thereby avoiding sectarian violence.
Sources familiar with the development revealed that the provincial government decided to extend beyond the usual measures of internet suspension and mobile jamming typically enforced during Ashura.
This decision was influenced by reports suggesting that ‘external forces,’ including cross-border elements, were involved in disseminating hate content and memes.
Both the Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order (SCCLO) and the Punjab Home Department recognized that shutting down the internet was causing significant inconvenience to the general public.
They noted that most misinformation and hate material were spread via social media apps, which could still be accessed even when internet services were suspended.
Following a SCCLO meeting on Thursday, the Home Department sent a letter to the interior ministry’s secretary, requesting that social media platforms—including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok—be suspended across the province from Muharram 6 to 11. The aim was to control hate material, misinformation, and prevent sectarian violence.
Given the Punjab government’s unique approach this time to curb activities aimed at disrupting peace, the Home Department expected a prompt response from the interior ministry to ensure peace during Muharram.
Initially, the Punjab government considered shutting down social media apps only on Muharram 9 and 10. However, further information revealed more complex factors, such as the cross-border sharing of hate material and alleged funding aimed at creating law and order issues. “Simple suspension of internet and mobile jamming may not work in the current circumstances,” as revealed by close source.
Cabinet Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, also a member of the SCCLO, acknowledged the cabinet committee’s suggestion to close social media apps to prevent the spread of hate content. Kirmani highlighted that hate content, particularly on Facebook and X, increased significantly during Muharram, often escalating conflicts between sects.
“Dissemination of hate content creates bad blood and spoils the overall environment, particularly during Muharram,” Kirmani said, adding that the recommendation was to shut down social media apps before, during, and a day after Muharram. Recognizing the situation’s sensitivity, the SCCLO, led by Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, agreed on the six-day social media shutdown.
Additionally, cases of Holy Quran desecration were being reported daily in the province. In an unprecedented move, the Punjab government decided that speeches by Zaakirs during Muharram would be digitally recorded and submitted to the government.
The meeting, attended by four provincial ministers, the home secretary, commissioners, and RPOs, agreed that all Zaakirs must record their speeches and provide digital copies to the relevant police stations.
The Home Department also requested the IG Police to suggest areas requiring internet suspension and mobile jamming. Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal briefed the SCCLO on the finalized measures and SOPs to ensure peace during Muharram.
The SCCLO instructed that all deputy commissioners provide a list of individuals within 24 hours who need to be banned from inter-district movement and gagged to prevent them from disturbing peace during Muharram. Orders were also issued to ban speakers who incite sectarianism.
Detailed SOPs were issued for Muharram processions, ensuring they follow approved routes under a three-layer security cover. Surveillance cameras will be installed on all procession routes for live coverage, and participants must join through designated routes after thorough checks.
Processions are to start on time and conclude before sunset, with security remaining until the safe return of Zuljinahs and Tazias. Strict monitoring of sensitive areas has already begun across the province, according to the SOPs.
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