Pakistan's Punjab Province to Ban All Social Media During Muharram

The government in Pakistan's Punjab province is set to ban all major social media platforms, including YouTube and WhatsApp, for six days during the Islamic month of Muharram. The ban is a measure to control 'hate material' and avoid sectarian violence. The decision also aims to curb misinformation and digital terrorism.

In a controversial move, the government in Pakistan's Punjab province has announced a ban on all major social media platforms for a period of six days during Muharram. The decision comes after a four-month-long block on X, formerly known as Twitter. The platforms affected include YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's cabinet committee on law and order recommended the ban, citing the need to control 'hate material' and prevent sectarian violence in the province, home to over 120 million people. The ban will be enforced from July 13 to 18.

Additionally, the provincial government has appealed to the federal government to implement this suspension nationwide. Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir has also emphasized the dangers of 'digital terrorism' on social media, further fueling the debate. The move is seen as an extension of previous social media restrictions following various political controversies in the country.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)