Punjab Government Seeks Social Media Ban During Muharram to Prevent Sectarian Violence

Key Points:

• The Punjab government has requested the interior ministry to suspend social media apps from Muharram 6 to 11 to prevent the spread of hate material and misinformation.
• The Home Department has also mandated the recording of all speeches by religious speakers (zaakirs) during this period.

Historical Context: Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds significant religious importance, particularly for Shia Muslims who commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, during this month. Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, is a day of mourning and remembrance. Historically, this period has seen heightened sectarian tensions, necessitating stringent security measures to maintain peace.

Details: The Punjab government, aiming to curb sectarian violence during Muharram, has taken an unprecedented step by requesting the interior ministry to shut down social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok from Muharram 6 to 11. This decision follows reports of external forces, including cross-border elements, spreading hate content and memes to incite violence.

The Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order (SCCLO) and the Punjab Home Department believe that merely suspending internet services and jamming mobile networks is insufficient, as most hate material is disseminated through social media apps. Therefore, a more targeted approach is deemed necessary.

Cabinet Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani confirmed that the committee recommended this measure to prevent the spread of hate content, which tends to escalate during Muharram, particularly on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). The committee also discussed the daily reports of Holy Quran desecration in the province, further emphasizing the need for stringent measures.

In addition to the social media ban, the Punjab government has decided to digitally record all speeches by zaakirs and submit them to the relevant police stations. This move aims to monitor and control the content of these speeches to prevent any incitement of sectarianism.

The Home Department has also issued detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Muharram processions, including:

• Surveillance cameras on all procession routes for live coverage.
• Ensuring processions follow approved routes with three-layer security.
• Thorough checking of participants joining the processions.
• Timely commencement and conclusion of processions before sunset.
• Continuous security cover until the safe return of religious symbols (zuljinahs and tazias).

The department has also instructed deputy commissioners to provide a list of individuals who need to be banned from inter-district movement to prevent them from disrupting peace during Muharram.

Summary:

• Punjab government requests social media ban from Muharram 6 to 11.
• Aim: Prevent spread of hate material and misinformation.
• Historical context: Muharram is a sensitive period with potential for sectarian violence.
• Additional measures: Recording speeches by religious speakers, detailed SOPs for processions.
• Surveillance and security measures to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram.