Speculations are all around whether the government will block access to the internet and ban social media apps during Muharram ul Haram or not.
According to sources, the federal government declined several provincial governments' demands to ban access to social media platforms for a few days during Muharram al-Haram.
Due to security concerns, the provincial governments requested that six social media applications be suspended for about one week during Muharram.
Faithful hold processions around the country during Muharram, while religious leaders address large crowds amid strict security, with hundreds of law enforcement officers deployed to safeguard security throughout the month.
According to sources within the Ministry of Interior Affairs, social media platforms will not be shut down throughout the holy month, ensuring perfect security.
"Security should be made more active and effective," stated the ministry, adding that mobile phone signals would be turned off in places where processions and majlis will be conducted.
The Punjab government cited the propagation of hate content and disinformation as reasons for the action.
According to a letter from the Punjab Home Department, the Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law and Order met to examine Muharram security and administrative arrangements.
It was determined at this meeting to suspend social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram from Muharram 6 to 11, in order to avoid the spread of hate material and disinformation and avert sectarian violence.