Punjab government calls for blocking of social media platforms

LAHORE: The Punjab government has called for the blocking of social media platforms from 6 to 11 Muharram to curb the spread of hate material and misinformation.

According to a letter from the Interior Ministry seen by The News, a meeting of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Law and Order has been convened to review security and administrative arrangements for Muharram.

In this meeting, it was decided to block social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram from 6 to 11 Muharram to prevent the spread of hate material and misinformation and to avert sectarian violence. The Ministry of Home Affairs sent the request to the Pakistan Interior Ministry demanding immediate action to ensure peace and security during the sensitive time of Muharram.