LAHORE: The Punjab government claims to have identified and blocked over 4,000 websites and taken action against their operators on charges of igniting sectarianism and hate.

As many as 57 persons were detained during Muharram for being involved in hate speeches on social media.

Chief Minister Usman Buzdar tweeted the government was curbing the spread of sectarianism and hate material through digital media with the assistance of all relevant provincial and federal institutions.

According to the data released by the Punjab government, 87 FIRs have been registered so far with persons involved sent behind the bar.

“Some 43 persons have been detained under 3 MPO while the names of 218 suspects have been included in the 4th Schedule,” a press release said.

According to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab Police, more than 4,000 social media sites containing hate speeches were got blocked through the Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA).

“Names of these 218 persons, from all sects, are being included in the 4th Schedule of Anti Terrorism Act 1997 to keep a surveillance over their activities.

They will not be able to spread hate speeches when they are in 4th Schedule,” the statement said.

In first 10 days of Muharram, legal action was taken against 57 persons involved in spreading hate speech on the social media through arrests under the Anti Terrorism Act and detentions under the MPO, the spokesperson said.

“These strong legal actions by LEAs have resulted in peaceful Muharram in year 2020. The government is determined not to allow anyone incite sectarian hatred.”

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2020