In a move aimed at curbing the spread of "hate material" during the Islamic month of Muharram, Punjab province in Pakistan is set to enforce a six-day ban on all social media platforms from July 13 to 18. This decision comes shortly after the extended blockage of X (formerly Twitter) in the region.

The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz-led cabinet committee on law and order has recommended the suspension of platforms such as YouTube, X, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok during this period. The measure is intended to prevent misinformation and sectarian violence, according to a late-night notification issued on Thursday.

The Punjab government has urged the federal government, led by her uncle Shehbaz Sharif, to officially enforce the internet suspension for these six days. The move follows concerns raised by Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, who has labeled social media as a "vicious media" and emphasized the necessity to combat "digital terrorism."

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, also serving as the foreign minister, recently advocated for a complete ban on social media platforms. The decision to ban X earlier this year stemmed from allegations of electoral result manipulation, which led to significant social media backlash against both the military and the government following the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence motion in April 2022.

Since then, authorities have detained numerous social media activists associated with Khan's political party. The upcoming ban underscores ongoing tensions surrounding digital freedom and government control in Pakistan.

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