Pakistani Government Imposes Social Media Ban on Government Employees

The Pakistan government has mandated that all government employees must obtain permission before using social media to prevent the unauthorized dissemination of official information and documents.

The Pakistan government has issued an order prohibiting all government employees from using social media without explicit permission to prevent the disclosure of official information and documents, reported The News International.

According to a memorandum from the Establishment Division, government workers are required to adhere to the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964. The directive prohibits them from using any social media platform without prior approval. The memorandum emphasized that government employees are restricted from expressing opinions or sharing facts that could damage the government's reputation, speaking against government policies and decisions, or compromising national sovereignty and dignity.

The memorandum also prohibits the sharing of official documents and information with unauthorized individuals. Employees are warned against discussing matters on social media that could impact Pakistan's international relations. Institutions are instructed to monitor their social media platforms to eliminate inappropriate content. The memorandum cautioned that violators would face misconduct proceedings, stressing that all government servants must comply with these regulations.

(With inputs from agencies.)