Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif to 'Decide Fate of Social Media' Platforms During Muharram

Islamab: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would decide fate of social media platforms such as YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok during Muharram festival as Punjab government sought a ban on m, citing need to control “hate material”.

Shiite Muslims hold large garings during festival to observe martyrdom of grandson of prophet of Islam.

Muslims generally observe his martyrdom as a symbol of resistance to tyranny, and Shiite Muslims take out rallies during first ten days of Muharram which culminate into huge processions on 9th and 10th of month.

Sunni Muslims have a historic ological rivalry with Shiites, and extremist Sunni groups brand m as heretics and target m through bombings, with Pakistan witnessing numerous such attacks in past.

To disrupt communication among militants, governments in Pakistan tritionally undertake elaborate security measures during Muharram, including suspension of internet, cell phone and social media services to avoid acts of terrorism.

Punjab government h asked federal government to suspend access to social media from July 6 to 11 to control spre of misinformation and hate material to prevent sectarian violence.

This week, provincial home department, through a letter to Interior Ministry, recommended suspending “Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, X, TikTok, etc. across province”.

Ministry of Interior after a meeting held on Friday deferred a decision on Punjab government’s request, according to an overnight statement.

It stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would make final decision on matter, ding that requests of provinces h “neir been rejected nor accepted”.

statement did not reveal which provinces or than Punjab h me such requests but indicated that Punjab was not only one to have sought this.

Muharram is expected to begin on Sunday or Monday on condition of sighting of moon.

Separately, a body of clerics tasked to sight moon is meeting this evening to decide beginning of Muharram. 

(Except for heline, this story has not been edited by Republic.)