Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to determine the future of social media platforms including YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok during the Muharram festival. This decision comes in response to the Punjab government’s request for a ban, aimed at controlling “hate material.”
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Shia Muslims hold gatherings during the festival to observe the martyrdom of the grandson of the prophet of Islam.
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Muslims observe his martyrdom as a symbol of resistance to oppression. Shia Muslims hold gatherings during the first ten days of Muharram, culminating in large processions on the 9th and 10th of the month.
The government in Pakistan usually undertake security measures during Muharram, including imposing restrictions on internet services, cell phones and social media to avoid acts of violence.
The Punjab government in Pakistan had urged federal officials to restrict access to social media from July 6 to 11 to control the spread of misinformation and hate material to prevent violence.
This week, the provincial home department, through a letter to the Interior Ministry, recommended suspending Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, X, TikTok, and other social media platforms across the province.
The Ministry of Interior after a meeting held on Friday (Jul 5) deferred a decision on the Punjab government’s request.
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It stated that PM Sharif would make the final decision on the matter, adding that the requests of the provinces had “neither been rejected nor accepted”.
Muharram is likely to begin on Sunday (Jul 7) or Monday (Jul 8) on the condition of the sighting of the moon.
Muharram
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The first day of this holy month is known as the Islamic New Year, Al Hijri or Arabic New Year.
Although not just for the New Year celebrations, the month of Muharram holds great historical significance for both Shia and Sunni Muslims around the globe.
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Unlike the Gregorian calendar which consists of 365 days, the Islamic calendar has 354 days divided into 12 months where Muharram is followed by the months of Safar, Rabi-al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada ath-Thaniyah, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Zil-Qadah and Zil-Hijjah.
After Ramadan, Muharram is considered the most sacred month in Islam, marking the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar.
(With inputs from agencies)
Source link : https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-plans-comprehensive-social-media-ban-for-muharram-738484/amp
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Publish date : 2024-07-06 05:59:36
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