Punjab Home Minister and Co-Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, Bilal Yasin, visited the Punjab Home Department’s Digital Media Cell. During the visit, he received a detailed briefing on cyber patrol operations and the department’s rapid response mechanism during Muharram.
Over 3,000 Sectarian Accounts Flagged
According to the briefing, the Cyber Patrolling Cell identified more than 3,000 social media accounts containing sectarian content during the first ten days of Muharram. Officials stated that a public awareness campaign promoting social harmony also remained active throughout the period. Bilal Yasin praised the Cyber Patrolling Cell for its performance and expressed gratitude for the peaceful conclusion of Muharram across the province.
Coordinated Security Efforts
Bilal Yasin said the successful security arrangements were made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Pakistan Army, Home Department, Police, Health Department, Rangers, Rescue 1122, district administrations, Auqaf Department, Local Government Department, Punjab Food Authority, LESCO, Civil Defence, and other relevant agencies. He noted that all Muharram processions and religious gatherings across Punjab had been geo-tagged and monitored through surveillance cameras. The minister added that the Cyber Patrolling Cell had intensified its crackdown on individuals involved in spreading sectarianism online.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Online Hate
Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi described this year’s Muharram security arrangements as among the best in the province’s history, saying they had been widely appreciated by all schools of thought. He acknowledged the contributions of religious scholars and local peace committees in maintaining law and order. Dr. Qazi said authorities were blocking social media accounts and arresting individuals involved in spreading sectarian hatred online, stressing that the Punjab government was pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against those inciting violence or unrest through social media.
