According to an official for the Ministry of Interior, the federal government has not taken any decision to stop internet access during the month of Muharram.
Due to security concerns, the provincial governments had requested that six social media applications be suspended for about one week during Muharram, which is scheduled to begin on July 8.
The interior ministry spokesperson issued a statement today cautioning against believing rumors, stating that no decision has been taken on the demands of the provincial governments.
The statement made it clear that the Prime Minister’s Office has not given any orders regarding the internet being shut down during the holy month.
The interior ministry stated, “No provincial government’s request has been approved or denied.”
Local media reported on Friday that the Punjab government has justified the action by citing the dissemination of hate speech and false information.
A meeting of the Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law and Order was called to evaluate Muharram’s administrative and security arrangements, per a letter from the Punjab Home Department.
At this meeting, it was agreed to halt the use of social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok from Muharram 6 to 11. The purpose of this measure was to stop hate speech and false information from spreading and to avoid sectarian bloodshed.
During Muharram, believers conduct processions around the nation, and religious leaders speak to sizable crowds under strict security. Thousands of law enforcement officers are stationed to maintain security throughout the month.
