Following the successful block of X (formerly Twitter) for over four months, the Pakistan government is now planning a broader social media ban. From July 13 to 18, all major platforms including YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are set to be suspended. The reason cited is to control “hate material” during the Islamic month of Ramadan.
According to a late-night notification issued by the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s cabinet committee on law and order, the Punjab government has recommended the suspension of these platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation and sectarian violence during 6 to 11 Muharram (July 13-18), a period significant in the Islamic calendar.
The Punjab government, under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, has formally requested the federal government led by her uncle, Shehbaz Sharif, to enforce this temporary internet shutdown across Pakistan.
The move comes amidst growing concerns highlighted by Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, who recently labeled social media as a “vicious media” and emphasized the need to combat what he termed “digital terrorism.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as the foreign minister, has echoed these sentiments by advocating for a complete ban on social media.
The decision follows the earlier shutdown of X in February, ordered by the Shehbaz government amid allegations of election result manipulation by the Election Commission of Pakistan. This action was believed to have been influenced by the military establishment to prevent Imran Khan, the jailed founder of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, from gaining power.
Tensions on social media escalated following the no-confidence ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in April 2022, leading to the government’s arrest of numerous social media activists affiliated with Khan’s party.