Punjab govt recommends ban on all social media apps during Muharram

Latest Politics & Pakistan Team TabloidPK July 5, 2024 0 Comments 57 Views

Punjab govt recommends ban on all social media apps during Muharram

The Punjab govt recommends a ban on all social media apps from June 6 to June 11 during Muharram across the province. It has advised the federal interior secretary to impose a complete social media ban.

It has been reported that the Punjab govt reportedly take “extraordinary” steps to stop internet service and cellphone jamming during Ashura (Shia’s religious event).

The government has decided to take these steps after learning of across-border elements’ attempts to destabilize the nation. This step will control the spread of hate material and misinformation which may result in sectarian violence.

*Shia, a Muslim minority perform certain sectarian religious activities during Muharram*

However, SCCLO claimed that blocking internet access would negatively impact the public. SCCLO refers to the Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order

On the other hand, other authorities claim that social media apps were the primary source of misinformation and hate speech, in last year’s Muharram event.

Hence, the Punjab Home Department recommended suspending social media apps including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter X, TikTok, etc across Punjab. This suspension will be in effect for five days from Muharram 6 to 11.

*Punjab government may likely ban social media from Muharram 6 to 11*

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The Punjab Home Department recommended this advice while writing a letter to the secretary of the interior ministry. It acknowledged that the suspension of social media apps would cause problems for the general public.

However, it considers this suspension mandatory to control hate material and misinformation to avoid any kind of sectarian violence. It also states it is necessary to implement these stricter measures based on intelligence agencies’ information.

Following this, the Punjab Home Department recommends that the govt ban all social media apps to smoothly run religious activities of Shia across the province. It is significant to note that the federal government will make the final decision regarding this suspension.