Public Servants Barred from Using Social Media Without Permission in Pakistan

The Pakistan government has restricted all government employees from using social media without permission. The Pakistan government has resorted to this directive to stop disclosure of official information and documents, reported Pakistan media.

According to an office memorandum issued by the Establishment Division, government employees in Pakistan, the government employees will not be allowed to use any social media platform without permission, reported The News International.

The memorandum states, “Government employees cannot express opinions or facts that affect the reputation of the government.” It also bars employees from speaking against government policy, decisions, national sovereignty and dignity.

The government servants in Pakistan are not permitted to share their opinions or rhetoric on social media platforms without permission. Strict action would be taken against government employees for violating the directives.

The memorandum stated, “Government servants of all services and groups are bound to follow the instructions. Violation may lead to misconduct proceedings against the employees concerned.”

The memorandum stated, “Civil servants have often been seen debating on social media. According to the memorandum, institutions have been asked to monitor their social media platforms to remove objectionable content.