Islamabad: The Pakistan government has issued a directive prohibiting all government employees from using social media without prior authorization to prevent the leakage of official information and documents, according to The News International. An office memorandum from the Establishment Division instructs government employees to comply with this order under the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964. The new regulation forbids the use of any social media platform by government employees without permission.

The memorandum specifies that employees must not express opinions or share information that could harm the governments reputation, and they are prohibited from criticizing government policies, decisions, national sovereignty, or dignity. Furthermore, the directive restricts public servants from posting opinions or statements on social media without prior approval and warns that strict measures will be taken against those who breach these guidelines. Employees are also barred from sharing official documents or information with unauthorized individuals and from speaking to the media in a manner that could affect Pakistans international relations.

The memorandum clarifies that while the guidelines aim to curb misuse of social media, they are not intended to completely ban positive uses of the platform. Institutions are instructed to monitor social media for objectionable content. All government servants, across services and groups, are required to adhere to these instructions, with violations potentially leading to misconduct proceedings. Federal secretaries, additional secretaries, department heads, and chief secretaries have been tasked with implementing the new rules.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.