Government Orders Strict Monitoring of Social Media to Curb Hate Speech and Religious Provocation

Islamabad:In a bid to clamp down on the circulation of hateful and provocative content on social media platforms, the federal government has instructed Chief Secretaries and IG Police of all provinces, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, to enforce stringent monitoring.

According to a communique issued by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, it has been observed an increase in the dissemination of hate speech and incidents of religious provocation on social media. Such activities exacerbate sectarian divisions within the country and pose a threat of escalating tensions.

The directive highlights the emergence of a new wave of militancy linked to the dissemination of provocative and blasphemous content on social media. Given the current situation, the country cannot afford to tolerate any sectarian propaganda. Therefore, all sectarian organizations and affiliated individuals involved in such activities will be closely monitored and regulated.

Furthermore, during the holy month of Muharram, strict restrictions will be imposed on incendiary statements and movements of individuals propagating such statements within their respective districts. Cyber space will also undergo rigorous monitoring to prevent the circulation of hate and provocative material on social media.

The government aims to ensure robust measures are in place to maintain peace and harmony while safeguarding against any form of extremism propagated through online platforms.