Ashura: No decision yet on social media ban

LAHORE:

After initial reports suggested that the Federal Ministry of the Interior had rejected the provinces’ request to block social media sites during Ashura, the ministry issued a clarification on Friday evening stating that no decision had yet been made.

“There have been corresponding requests from the provinces, but the ministry has not yet made a decision on this,” said a ministry spokesman.

The Punjab government had sent a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday demanding the blocking of social media platforms on the internet from 6 to 11 Muharram.

“The Cabinet Standing Committee on Law and Order in its meeting held on July 4, 2024, while discussing security and administrative arrangements for Muharram 2024, decided that social media platforms – Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, etc. – will be blocked in the entire Punjab province from Muharram 6 to 11, 2024, to control hate material/misinformation and to avoid sectarian violence,” the letter said.

On Friday, several media outlets reported that the Ministry of Interior had rejected the request to block social networking applications and mobile phone networks and instead informed the province that mobile phone networks would only be blocked in the procession areas and their surroundings.

Later the same day, the Interior Ministry denied this development, adding that the final decision on the matter rested with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Interestingly, the Punjab government also retracted its earlier stance, claiming that it had not yet taken a final decision on blocking social media even if the Home Ministry had given permission.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said the earlier letter was written following a meeting of the Cabinet Standing Committee. “Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has not agreed to the proposal. She will take the final decision on the matter herself.”

Bukhari noted that opinions on the issue are divided even within the Punjab government. “One part supports blocking social networking apps while the other is against it.”

Meanwhile, the Punjab government on Friday requested the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Rangers to assist the provincial police in restoring “law and order” in the month of Muharram.

A statement by the Punjab Home Department spokesperson said the provincial government had mobilised the services of 150 contingents of military and rangers as per the needs of different districts.

It added that a letter had been written responding to the police’s request for cooperation in maintaining security and that the services of 60 army contingents and 81 ranger contingents had been engaged. “The law enforcement agencies will make their services available for the peaceful observance of Muharram,” the statement added.

Insiders have acknowledged the need to block social media as the hate speech is being spread specifically against other sects and they fear that it will spark violence if not stopped immediately. They have claimed that such incitement, especially during Muharram when emotions run high, can trigger widespread violence. (CONTENT SOURCED BY NEWSDESK)