Pakistan’s Punjab province is proposing a six-day ban on social media platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, from July 13 to 18. This move comes amidst concerns about the spread of “hate material” and sectarian violence during the holy month of Ramadan. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Reasons for the Ban in Pakistan:

   • Hate Material: The ban aims to curb the spread of hate material on social media platforms.
   • Sectarian Violence: Authorities want to prevent sectarian violence fueled by misinformation.

2. Recommendation by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz:

   • The cabinet committee on law and order, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, recommended the ban.
   • The ban will be in effect during 6 to 11 Muharram (July 13-18) in Punjab, a province with over 120 million people.

3. Pakistan Army Chief’s Stance:

   • Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir has labeled social media as a “vicious media.”
   • He emphasizes the need to combat what he refers to as “digital terrorism.”

4. Previous Social Media Controversies:

   • Earlier, the government shut down X in February following allegations of election result manipulation.
   • Social media activists associated with Imran Khan’s party have also faced arrests since then.

In summary, Pakistan’s decision to ban major social media platforms temporarily reflects its efforts to maintain peace and curb harmful content during a sensitive period. The ban will be in place from July 13 to 18, and authorities hope it will contribute to a safer online environment⁴⁵. 🌐📱

Following Developments

It remains to be seen whether the social media ban will be enacted. This story is likely to continue developing in the coming days as the Pakistani government weighs the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a measure.