‘Unauthorised’ use of social media by govt employees banned

ISLAMABAD: Taking notice of ‘unauthorised’ use of social media by the government employees, the federal government has banned the use of social media without permission.

A memorandum has been issued to all federal government ministries and divisions, warning of strict action over violation of the instructions. The Establishment Division has sent a formal office memorandum to all ministries and divisions in this regard. According to the memorandum, civil servants of federal ministries and divisions would not be able to use any social media platform without permission. This decision has been taken to prevent disclosure of official information and documents. In the office memorandum, the government servants have been instructed by the Establishment Division to abide by the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and not to use any social media application including Facebook, Twitter without permission.

According to the memorandum, a public servant cannot express his opinion or make rhetoric on social media without permission. The government employees cannot share official documents or information with unrelated people or the press. The government employees cannot state such opinions or facts that may affect the government’s reputation, or invoke the contempt of court law. Employees are not allowed to speak against the government policy, decisions, national sovereignty, dignity or relationship with other states.

According to the office memorandum, government employees have often been seen discussing and debating on social media including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram and microblogging etc. Some employees have set up programme desks. Employees are not allowed to voice their opinion in any discussions.

The memorandum said the guidelines did not intend to ban positive use of social media. Instructions have been issued to federal secretaries, additional secretaries, heads of departments and chief secretaries to continue monitoring for removal of objectionable content.