Nisar orders action against those ‘dishonouring’ army on social media

Interior minister says ridiculing army or its officers under the garb of freedom of expression is unacceptable

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has ordered the Cyber Crime Wing of Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) to take immediate action against all those dishonouring the Pakistan Army through social media.

The interior minister stated that the Constitution, while providing guarantee of freedom of expression, makes it clear that security and defence matters and relevant organisation would not be subjected to criticism and no citizen would indulge in any such activity that negatively impacts the prestige, repute and respect of the armed forces.



“Ridiculing the army or its officers under the garb of freedom of expression is unacceptable,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.

He said targeting a disciplined and reputed organisation of the country was not only a matter of concern but was also a serious offence and strict action should be taken against those who, intentionally or unintentionally, were committing such an offence.

The minister directed FIA to take action without any discrimination against all involved in such condemnable act regardless of their party affiliation, group or profession.



The sources said that these instructions were issued after many social media users criticised the military establishment in its recent standoff with the government over the Dawn Leak issue.

The critics on social media have been questioning the ISPR’s public ‘rejection’ of an order issued by the PM office on Dawn Leak.

The controversial tweet was however, recanted by the spokesman of the armed forces but it remains undeleted.