• September 25, 2024
• Social Media
• Web Desk

On September 24, Islamabad police personnel were officially prohibited from expressing opinions or sharing content on social media platforms without prior authorization, according to a directive issued by Inspector General of Police (IG) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi. The memorandum aims to regulate officers’ online activities and ensure that official information and confidential material are not shared without proper oversight.

The order explicitly bars officers from making public statements, publishing articles, or sharing opinions in their official capacity on social media without obtaining prior permission. It also prohibits recording videos or taking photographs while in police uniform, whether in government buildings, vehicles, or private locations, for personal promotion or unauthorized purposes. The directive is designed to maintain discipline and ensure police personnel adhere to professional standards when engaging with the public online.

Furthermore, officers are strictly forbidden from uploading official documents, photographs, or confidential material on social media platforms. The memorandum goes further by restricting officers from sharing personal, political, or religious views on any media platform in a way that could reflect on their official roles.

IG Rizvi emphasized that any official communications or announcements related to police activities would be released solely through the Public Relations Branch of the Central Police Office (CPO). Officers who wish to share positive departmental achievements or updates on social media must seek approval from the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) headquarters and the public relations branch of the CPO.

Unit heads have been tasked with overseeing and monitoring the social media activity of the officers under their command, ensuring compliance with the new rules. The directive states that violations will result in strict disciplinary action, which may include suspension or further sanctions depending on the severity of the breach. The policy is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

This move by the Islamabad police mirrors similar efforts by other law enforcement agencies across Pakistan to control their personnel’s social media activity. On September 21, the Karachi police introduced a comparable policy requiring officers and personnel to remove any inappropriate content from their social media accounts within seven days. The directive, issued by Additional Inspector General (IG) Javed Alam Odho, bans officers from using official police resources such as vehicles, uniforms, and headquarters in social media posts without prior approval.

Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also implemented similar restrictions, further limiting police officers’ use of social media for personal purposes.