Islamabad Police to monitor social media during Muharram to spot hatemongers

• Cases to be lodged in cyber crime cell, say Islamabad Police.
• Social media cell to monitor different platforms, says spox.
• Media cell to work under supervision of AIG Operations.

ISLAMABAD: As the Ashura day is drawing closer, Islamabad Police on Thursday announced to monitor social media, including WhatsApp groups, during Muharram to find and take action against hatemongers.

The federal capital police have established a special social media cell as well for the said purpose and it has been assigned the task to monitor hate speech in WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms.

The police spokesperson said the media cell would work under supervision of the AIG Operations.

The official warned of action against those sharing hate content during the first Islamic month. “Cases will be lodged in the cyber crime cell against such persons,” the spokesperson said.

Ashura falls on 10th of Muharram, when Imam Hussain (RA) was martyred. 

Faithful hold processions and majalis across the country in Muharram, while religious scholars address huge gatherings amid tight security, with thousands of law enforcers deployed to ensure security.

Muharram started on July 8 in the country, after the lunar month’s crescent was sighted. 

To curb the spread of hate material on the internet, the provincial governments had earlier sought the suspension of six social media applications for about a week during Muharram, however, the federal government has yet not taken any decision in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Sindh government on July 6 banned 143 ulema and zakireen for 60 days as part of security measures.