Provincial requests to block social media during Muharram ‘rejected’

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday rejected the provincial government’s request to block social media platforms for six days during Muharram. Geo News with reference to sources.

Separate appeals were filed demanding a ban on social media applications from 6 to 11 Muharram to prevent any untoward incidents during the holy month.

Worshippers hold processions across the country during Muharram, while religious scholars address large crowds amid tight security. Thousands of police officers are deployed to ensure security during the month.

According to sources in the Interior Ministry, social media websites will not be closed to ensure that security is absolutely guaranteed during the holy month.

“Security must be made more active and effective,” the ministry said, adding that mobile phone signals will be blocked in areas where processions and majlis are taking place.

The Punjab government cited the spread of hate speech and misinformation as reasons for the move, The News reported on Friday.

According to a letter from the Punjab Home Ministry, a meeting of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Law and Order has been convened to review security and administrative arrangements for Muharram.

At this meeting, it was decided to block social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram from 6 to 11 Muharram to prevent the spread of hate material and misinformation and thus avert sectarian violence.