Punjab govt's request to suspend social media during Muharram disallowed

ISLAMABAD – The federal government on Friday rejected the Punjab government's request to suspend social media applications and to switch off mobile phone signals during Muharram to maintain peace.

The Punjab government had, a day earlier, sought the suspension of social media apps—Facebook, TikTok, X (Twitter), and WhatsApp—from Muharram 6 to 11, citing intelligence reports of subversive activities from across the border.

The federal government declined the request and instead instructed relevant authorities to implement robust security measures during Muharram. However, it approved the shutdown of mobile phone signals exclusively in areas where processions and gatherings are scheduled.

Muharram sees nationwide processions and large gatherings addressed by religious leaders, necessitating extensive security measures, including the deployment of thousands of law enforcement officers.

The Punjab government’s request attributes the move to the need to curb the spread of hate speech and misinformation.

A letter from the Punjab Home Department indicates that a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law and Order reviewed the security and administrative measures for Muharram.

In this session, the decision was made to propose a suspension of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram from the 6th to the 11th of Muharram. This measure aims to prevent the circulation of inflammatory content and misinformation, thereby reducing the risk of sectarian conflict.

The Home Department had forwarded this request to the Ministry of Interior, seeking prompt action to maintain peace and security during this sensitive period.