Government ‘bans’ blocking of social media apps during Muharram

The federal government has rejected demands from several provincial governments to block access to social media platforms during some days of Muharram ul Haram, sources said on Friday.

Due to security concerns, the provincial governments had called for a blockage of six social media applications for about a week during Muharram.

Across the country, believers hold processions 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 would be blocked in areas where processions and majlis take 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 Punjab Home Department, a meeting of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Law and Order was convened to review security and administrative arrangements for Muharram. In 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 to avert sectarian violence.