The federal government on Friday rejected the proposal to suspend social media applications and switch off mobile phone signals during Muharram, citing the need to “maintain peace.”
A day earlier, the Punjab government had requested the central authorities to suspend social media apps such as Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp from Muharram 6 to 11. This request was made after receiving intelligence about potential subversive activities originating from across the border.
Sources indicate that the federal government has declined this request and instructed the relevant authorities to implement stringent security measures during Muharram. However, it has permitted the deactivation of mobile phone signals only in specific areas where processions and gatherings are held.
The Punjab government had recommended to the federal interior secretary to ban social media from the 6th to the 11th of Muharram. This recommendation was aimed at curbing the spread of hate material and misinformation, which could potentially incite sectarian violence.
