Islamabad police bar officers, personnel from using social media

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Police have imposed strict restrictions on social media use by officers and personnel of all ranks, banning them from posting photographs and videos in uniform, expressing personal political or religious views online, and sharing departmental or classified documents without authorisation.

The new policy, approved by the Islamabad Police Inspector General, also prohibits personnel from using their uniforms for personal publicity, fame or glamour.

Under the rules, police personnel have been barred from making videos in uniform at government vehicles, offices and private locations and violators have been warned of departmental action.

The policy also prohibits officers and personnel from issuing statements to the media, speaking at public forums or writing articles without prior permission.

Personnel will not be allowed to express their personal political or religious views on social media. Sharing departmental or confidential documents, photographs and other material online has also been prohibited.

Even posts intended to highlight the department’s positive activities will require approval from the deputy inspector general (DIG) headquarters.

The policy stipulates that information about police activities will be released only through the public relations branch of the Capital Police Officer (CPO).

Unit heads will be responsible for monitoring the social media activities of their staff and ensuring compliance with the new rules.

The inspector general has ordered strict departmental action against personnel found violating the policy, which takes immediate effect.