In a significant move aimed at maintaining social harmony, the Pakistan government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has announced a temporary ban on major social media platforms from July 13 to 18. The decision, affecting platforms such as YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, is justified as a measure to curb the spread of “hate material” during the Islamic month of Ramadan.
The Punjab government, home to over 120 million people, issued a notification late Thursday, highlighting the necessity to prevent misinformation that could potentially incite sectarian violence. This recommendation from the cabinet committee on law and order underscores concerns over digital platforms being used to propagate divisive content.
Earlier actions by the government include the temporary blocking of X (formerly Twitter) since February, following allegations related to electoral integrity. The military establishment has also expressed concerns over role of social media in what they term as “digital terrorism.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, also serving as the foreign minister, has advocated for a complete ban on social media platforms amidst growing political tensions. The recent political developments, including the ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, have intensified scrutiny of online discourse, leading to the arrest of several social media activists associated with Khan’s party.
This move, while contentious, reflects ongoing efforts by Pakistani authorities to regulate digital platforms amid heightened socio-political sensitivity. The upcoming six-day suspension aims to mitigate the spread of inflammatory content during a period considered sacred by the Muslim community.