The Punjab government has asked the interior ministry to shut down social media apps from Muharram 6 to 11 to control the spread of hate speech and misinformation and prevent sectarian violence.
Reports suggest that external forces, including cross-border elements, are involved in sharing hateful content and memes.
The Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order (SCCLO) and the Punjab Home Department believe that shutting down the internet inconveniences the public, while most harmful content spreads through social media apps, which can still be accessed even when the internet is down.
Therefore, they proposed suspending platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok during these dates.
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Following a SCCLO meeting, the Home Department sent a letter to the interior ministry requesting this action. Initially, the government considered shutting down social media apps only on Muharram 9 and 10.
However, due to reports of increased sharing of hate material and alleged funding from external sources to create unrest, a longer suspension was deemed necessary.
Cabinet Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani acknowledged that the committee suggested the social media shutdown to avoid hate content. He stated that such content significantly increases during Muharram on platforms like Facebook and X, often leading to conflict.
The SCCLO, led by Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, agreed to the shutdown from Muharram 6 to 11 to ensure peace.
