To maintain religious harmony during the month of Muharram, the Punjab Home Department has set up the province’s first Cyber Patrol and Quick Response Cell for real-time digital monitoring and swift action against online provocations. The newly formed cell -  operating under the Home Department’s supervision - is tasked with identifying and reporting objectionable and sectarian content shared on social media platforms. 

Officials said the initiative aims to counter the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and incitement to violence that tends to surface during the sensitive month. In a statement issued on Monday, a spokesperson for the Home Department said that the Cyber Patrol Cell has been actively scanning digital media for fake news, provocative posts, and content promoting religious hatred. 

“All flagged material will be forwarded to the Special Branch for verification and further action,” the statement read. The department added that collaboration is underway with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Ministry of Interior to ensure swift blocking of objectionable content and to take legal action against those operating from identified accounts.The Special Branch has been assigned the responsibility of pursuing content takedowns and assisting in tracing the origin of inflammatory posts.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)