Punjab Government Imposes Six-Day Social Media Ban

The Punjab government in Pakistan is set to ban social media platforms including YouTube and WhatsApp during Muharram from July 13-18. This move aims to control 'hate material' and avoid sectarian violence. The decision comes amidst reports of 'external forces' spreading hate content during the Islamic month of mourning.

In a recent move to curb sectarian violence, the Punjab government in Pakistan has announced a six-day ban on all major social media platforms, including YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. The ban will be in place from July 13 to 18, coinciding with the Islamic month of Muharram.

The decision, recommended by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's cabinet committee on law and order, aims to control the spread of 'hate material' and misinformation that could incite sectarian violence among the province's 120 million residents. A notification issued late Thursday night disclosed that the provincial government has also requested federal cooperation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's administration.

Amid growing concerns about 'external forces' using social media to disseminate hate content, Punjab's Cabinet Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani emphasized the need for this preventive measure. He noted that during Muharram, especially on platforms like Facebook and X, spreading hate content escalates, worsening sectarian tensions. This ban extends beyond routine internet and mobile suspensions, reflecting the severity of the situation.

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