Pakistan Interior Ministry to Crack Down on Religious Hate Online Ahead of Muharram

Pakistan Interior Ministry to Crack Down on Religious Hate Online Ahead of Muharram
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The Ministry of Interior in Pakistan has announced strict measures to combat the spread of religious hate on social media ahead of the Islamic month of Muharram, Dawn E-Paper reported. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review the security plan for Muharram, emphasizing zero tolerance for any incitement of religious hatred.

Authorities have instructed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to monitor electronic and social media platforms for hateful content. The government plans to impose Section 144 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces from Muharram 1 to 10, prohibiting public gatherings and protests that could disrupt peace.

Security arrangements will cover all provinces, including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad, with decisions on suspending internet and mobile services during processions to be made in consultation with provincial authorities.

The month of Muharram commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Husain (peace be upon him) and is marked by heightened religious activity. To ensure peaceful observance, the government has deployed additional security forces and will use modern technology to monitor processions.

Minister Naqvi reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining peace and warned that no one would be allowed to provoke religious hatred during this sensitive period.