In a recent development, the Punjab government has introduced new regulations to govern the social media activities of its employees, signaling a paradigm shift in its approach towards online behavior. The changes, incorporated into the Punjab Government Servants’ Rules of 1966, aim to maintain a professional and politically neutral stance for government officials in the digital sphere.
According to the updated rules, government employees now prohibited from expressing personal opinions on any external websites. Furthermore, when using popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Instagram, employees must refrain from liking, commenting, or sharing content without prior authorization from the competent authority.
The government’s decision stems from concerns that the behavior of its employees on social media may not align with the established standards. There have been instances where the use of these platforms led to the dissemination of information contrary to political norms, prompting the need for a more regulated approach.
Similarly, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has also taken a stance on the online activities of government employees. A newly implemented policy mandates that officials must seek permission before sharing any information related to government affairs on social media platforms. This directive explicitly prohibits government employees from engaging in political and ideological discussions on these platforms without official consent.
“The government officials must obtain permission from the government to participate in various platforms of social media,” emphasize the authorities. Furthermore, any sharing of information related to ideological matters or the country on social media platforms by government employees strictly forbidden.
These measures aim to ensure that government officials maintain a level of professionalism and impartiality in their online interactions. By implementing these restrictions, both the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments are taking proactive steps to regulate the digital presence of their employees and uphold the integrity of government communication in the age of social media.
