Is social media getting banned in Muharram?

The federal government has rejected the provincial governments request seeking blockage of social media during Muharram.

The provincial governments requested to block Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp from the 6th to the 11^th of Muharram. However, after the rejection the social sites will remain accessible.

The federal government emphasized that full-proof security arrangements will be implemented throughout the holly month.

The Interior Ministry issued directives to enhance and make security more effective and active.

Apart from that, mobile services will be switched off in specific areas hosting Muharram processions and majalis to prevent any untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the government has already announced two consecutive public holidays to mark Ashura. These holidays are slated for Muharram 9 and 10.

It is worth mentioning here that, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will announce the sighting off Muharram crescent after their meeting on July 06.

If the moon is sighted on the evening of July 6, then Muharram 1 will fall on July 7. Consequently, Ashura – and public holidays – will be observed on July 15 and 16, corresponding to Monday and Tuesday

Alternatively, if the new Islamic year commences on July 8, then Ashura will be marked on July 16 and 17. This would result in public holidays on July 16 and 17.