Abstract
This study focusses on the issue of sectarian violence and spread of hate material on social media in Pakistan, which always remained vulnerable to sectarian violence due to its socio-religious demographics and sensitive social fabric. This research was conducted by applying mixed method. A survey (n=543) was conducted in the federal as well as all provincial capital cities of the country i.e. Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Gilgit through purposive sampling. Interviews of 20 experts were also conducted. The survey data found that social media users do not know which terms and conditions they signed while opening their accounts on Facebook and Twitter etc. As many as 6.6% people take active part in sect-related discussions and 5.2% exchanged harsh words/abusive language in case of negative comment against their sect. A total 89% said that no government official or law enforcement agency ever contacted them in case of violations made by them on social media. Most of the social media users (21.2%) and a majority of media experts (structured interviews) believed that the government must implement existing laws, while 17.5% said there should be amendments to existing laws, 40% said an awareness campaign should be launched and 24% believed that there was a need to promote interfaith harmony in the country.
Keyword(s)
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