According to sources, the federal government has turned down appeals from provincial authorities to restrict access to social media applications during Muharram, ensuring that platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp will remain accessible. The provinces had sought the closure of six major social media apps from the 6th to the 11th of Muharram for security reasons. However, the federal authorities opted against this measure, choosing to focus on other security protocols.
Emphasizing the implementation of comprehensive security arrangements throughout Muharram, the federal government has highlighted heightened security measures and increased vigilance in areas where processions and assemblies will occur. The Interior Ministry has issued directives to enhance security effectiveness, including the deployment of security personnel and the temporary shutdown of mobile signals in specific areas hosting Muharram processions and majalis to prevent any potential incidents.
By maintaining the operation of social media applications, the government aims to strike a balance between public safety and the need for communication and information sharing during the significant period of Muharram.
Concurrently, in Pakistan, the announcement of two consecutive public holidays for Ashura has been made, scheduled for Muharram 9 and 10. The exact dates of these holidays are contingent on the decision of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee regarding the sighting of the Muharram moon. Should the moon be sighted on the evening of July 6, Muharram 1 will fall on July 7, aligning Ashura with July 15 and 16. Public holidays would then be observed on July 15 and 16. Alternatively, if the new Islamic year commences on July 8, Ashura will be marked on July 16 and 17, leading to public holidays on July 16 and 17.
