Pakistan To Ban Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube For 6 Days. Here's Why

After a four-month ban on X, Pakistan has decided to block all major social media platforms for six days of Muharram.

Around 40,000 security personnel will be deployed to safeguard religious processions and gatherings. 

The Pakistan government is set to ban all social media platforms — Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp and YouTube — for six days from July 13 to 18 during Muharram. Previously, the Pakistan government imposed the ban for four months on ‘X’. The Pakistan government cited the need to control “hate material” during the holy month to justify its decision, reported news agency PTI. 

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's Cabinet committee has recommended the social media ban in the province of over 120 million people to "control hate material, misinformation to avoid sectarian violence", according to a Punjab government notification issued in Lahore late Thursday night.

The Punjab government requested that Shehbaz Sharif’s (her uncle) central government notify the suspension of all social media platforms on the internet for six days.

Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir has already labelled social media as “vicious media” and emphasised the need to fight what he called “digital terrorism”.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar recently called for a complete ban on social media in Pakistan.

In February, the Shehbaz government shut down the social media platform ‘X’ after allegations of tampering in the general election results by the Election Commission of Pakistan. The action was reportedly ordered by the military to prevent the jailed founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder, Imran Khan, from coming back to power. 

Heightened Security In Sensitive Areas 

As Muharram inches closer, Pakistan has increased security measures and deployed military and Ranger personnel in sensitive areas across the country, especially in Punjab. According to ANI, 502 locations have been marked as sensitive areas where the Army and Ranger personnel have been deployed. 

Around 40,000 security personnel will be deployed, including Frontier Corps and Pakistan Army troops to safeguard religious processions and gatherings. 

Muharram commemorates the death of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad holds a deep religious significance for Shia Muslims. However, Pakistan has faced recurring violence between Sunni and Shia communities. The divisions have resulted in targeted attacks during processions and gatherings.