ISLAMABAD: The federal government will launch a crackdown on elements found involved in spreading religious hatred on social media during Muharram as the capital police said personnel will be deployed in three tiers to ensure foolproof security for all 181 processions carried out in Islamabad.

It was also decided to send clear recommendations to PEMRA to curb hate content on electronic and social media. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting on the nationwide Muharram security plan held at the Ministry of Interior on Thursday. During the meeting, security plans for all provinces, including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad, were reviewed in detail.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired the meeting, according to official sources.

The meeting agreed that any decision to suspend internet or mobile phone services would be made in consultation with the relevant provinces, keeping in view the security concerns.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed the relevant authorities that decisions regarding internet and mobile service suspensions must be based on ground realities and the security situation.

The federal government will extend full support to all provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in maintaining law and order, Mr Naqvi assured.

The minister stressed that no one would be allowed to incite violence or disrupt peace. He directed that strict enforcement of the code of conduct during Muharram must be ensured. He also added that modern technology would be used to monitor processions and gatherings.

The IGPs and Home Secretaries of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad briefed the interior minister on their respective security plans for Muharram.

DG Rangers Punjab, DG Rangers Sindh, and senior officers from law enforcement agencies of all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan also participated in the meeting via video link.

Separately, it was informed that police will be deployed in three tiers to ensure foolproof security for all 181 processions carried out in Islamabad during Muharramul Haram. Thirteen points have been identified as potential trouble spots due to past tensions. In addition, 965 Majalis will be held during Muharram.

At all 13 sensitive locations, the SHOs and senior officers will supervise the processions. A special survey of each route will be conducted and any obstructions will be removed.

Flag marches by all forces, including district administration, will be held on 6th and 8th Muharram.

In Islamabad, 181 processions will take place, including 18 licensed and 163 traditional ones (Alam, Zuljinnah, Tazia, and Mehndi). Of these, 16 have been placed in Category “A” (most sensitive), 93 in Category “B” (less sensitive), and 72 in Category “C”.

Activities of individuals linked to banned organisations or those on the watch list will be strictly monitored. Private individuals or security companies will not be allowed to carry weapons during Muharram and Safar.

Entry of Ulema belonging to different sects into the federal capital has already been banned for two months.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2025