NCCIA Forms Special Team to Combat Hate Speech During Muharram

Following instructions from the Ministry of Interior, the Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has created a specialized unit to tackle hate speech circulating on social media platforms during Muharram.

According to an official announcement, stringent measures will be implemented to counter hateful content, false information, and provocation disseminated online. Decisive action will be taken against individuals responsible for propagating hate speech and inciting religious discord through social media channels.

The newly formed team comprises seasoned experts, including technical specialists, digital analysts, and dedicated officers focused on monitoring hateful content. Their primary objective is to closely scrutinize social media postings that promote religious animosity. The NCCIA has affirmed that preventing incitement on social media during Muharram is a foremost priority, and those found spreading hatred will face legal consequences.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee declared on Thursday, after receiving substantial evidence of moon sightings from various regions nationwide, that the Muharram 1447 Hijri moon had been observed. Consequently, Ashura is scheduled to be observed on July 6 (Sunday).

Muharram holds immense significance as one of the four sacred months in Islam. Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), alongside his family members in the Battle of Karbala.

Across the nation, faithful Muslims participate in processions and majalis during Muharram. Religious scholars deliver sermons to large congregations, with heightened security measures in place. Thousands of law enforcement personnel are deployed to ensure public safety.

Furthermore, the decision regarding the suspension of mobile phone or internet services during Muharram will be made in consultation with the provincial governments. This resolution was reached during a meeting led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, convened to assess the national security strategy.

The meeting encompassed a thorough review of security arrangements for Muharram across all provinces, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Islamabad. Participants concurred that strict action would be pursued against individuals disseminating religious hatred on social media networks.

Naqvi emphasized that all essential measures and decisions pertaining to Muharram security would be implemented through collaborative discussions. He guaranteed that the federal government would extend its complete support to uphold peace throughout the religious month.

He further stressed that no individual would be permitted to instigate disturbance or participate in disruptive activities. Naqvi stated that the code of conduct established for Muharram would be rigorously enforced. He also noted that processions and gatherings would be monitored using advanced technological resources.