Ashura: no decision yet on social media ban

After initial reports suggested that the Federal Ministry of Interior had rejected the provinces’ request to suspend social media sites during Ashura, the ministry issued a clarification on Friday night stating that no decision had been made yet.

“Requests have been received from the provinces in this regard, but the ministry has not yet taken any decision on them,” said a ministry spokesperson.

The Punjab Government had sent a letter to the interior ministry on Thursday, requesting the suspension of social media platforms on the internet from the 6th to the 11th of Muharram.

“The Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order, while discussing security and administrative arrangements for Muharram 2024 in its meeting dated July 4, 2024, decided that social media platforms—Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, etc.—be suspended across the province of Punjab from the 6th to the 11th of Muharram, 2024 to control hate material/misinformation and to avoid sectarian violence,” stated the letter.

On Friday, several media outlets reported that the interior ministry had turned down the request to suspend social networking applications and mobile networks, instead informing the province that mobile networks would be suspended only in and around procession areas.

Later in the day, the Ministry of Interior denied this development, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would make the final call in this regard.

Interestingly, the Punjab government also retracted its earlier position, asserting that it had not taken any final decision regarding the suspension of social networking sites, even if approval was granted by the interior ministry.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said the earlier letter was written in the wake of a standing committee of cabinet meeting. “Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has not given her approval to the proposal. She will take a final decision on the matter herself.”

Bukhari noted that opinion on the issue is divided even within the Punjab government. “One section supports the suspension of social networking applications while the other opposes it.”

Meanwhile, the Punjab government on Friday requested the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Rangers to assist the provincial police in establishing “peace and order” during the month of Muharram.

A statement issued by the Punjab Home Department’s spokesperson said the provincial government had sought the services of 150 contingents of the military and Rangers based on the requirements of different districts.

It added that a letter had been written in line with the police’s request for cooperation in maintaining security, and the services of 60 army contingents and 81 Rangers contingents were sought. “Law enforcement agencies will render their services for the peaceful observance of Muharram,” the statement added.

Insiders have acknowledged the need for suspending social networking sites due to the hate speech being purposefully spread against other sects, which they fear will incite violence if not promptly stopped. They have asserted that, especially during Muharram when emotions run high, such hate mongering can ignite widespread violence.(WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)