The Punjab Home Department has officially launched the province’s first-ever Cyber Patrolling and Quick Response Cell, aimed at tackling the spread of sectarian and inflammatory content on social media platforms.

The high-tech unit, operating 24/7, will monitor platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and others for objectionable content and take immediate legal action against violators.

According to official statements issued on June 30, the Punjab Police registered nine FIRs in the last 24 hours for the online dissemination of hate material.

Also, 10 individuals have been arrested, eight for Facebook posts and two for sharing content via WhatsApp from various districts, including Sargodha, Sahiwal, Lodhran, Bhakkar, Khanewal, Rajanpur, and Layyah.

Inspector General of Punjab Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy for online incitement to sectarian violence.

“Anyone using social media to spread sectarianism will face the full force of the law,” he warned.

The Cyber Patrolling Cell operates from the central control room of the Home Department and works in coordination with the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB).

The cell scans digital platforms for hate speech, misinformation, and provocative content, and forwards verified cases to the Special Branch. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is then engaged to block such material.

So far, 271 social media accounts have been reported, leading to 17 arrests for promoting sectarian hate.

The new cyber unit is integrated with Punjab’s Safe City system and is receiving real-time data from local district control rooms.

A special “Muharram e-Portal” has been launched to enhance coordination between districts and facilitate rapid incident reporting. The control room is also conducting live surveillance of major Muharram processions and religious gatherings.

The progress of the initiative was reviewed during the 31st Cabinet Committee meeting on Law and Order, chaired by Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including Provincial Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, and senior representatives from the police, Counter Terrorism Department, Rangers, and other law enforcement bodies.

Rafique emphasized that maintaining peace during Muharram is the government’s top priority, with over 150,000 police personnel deployed across Punjab.

The Pakistan Army and Rangers will provide additional support. Section 144 will be enforced on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, banning pillion riding and the public display of weapons.

He also noted that tight security arrangements have been finalized for the upcoming Urs of Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar.

The Home Department has appealed to the public to exercise responsibility while using social media and warned that individuals found posting or circulating sectarian content will face strict legal consequences.