Government to enforce Official Secrets Act against classified information leaks

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior issued a notice on Wednesday warning it will enforce the Official Secrets Act 1923 against any government employee or department found to have publicised unauthorised sensitive and classified information or secret documents.

In an effort to curb the flow of information, the ministry decided to stop the dissemination of sensitive information deemed confidential.

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The government issued letters to more than 20 different government departments including National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Passport and Immigration, National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and Capital Development Authority (CDA). The recipients have been directed to exercise utmost caution in handling confidential information and documents.

Letters were also dispatched to other departments such as the Directorate General Civil Defence, Islamabad police administration, rangers, and coast guards.

The notices informed each department that given the severity of the matter, the Official Secrets Act will be strictly enforced. The act would be enforced against anyone found airing confidential information on social media platforms without proper authorisation. Anyone found in violation of the act will face legal action, including cases being registered against them.

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The notice went on to state that anyone found guilty of leaking information under the Official Secrets Act could face punishment of up to two years imprisonment, along with fines.