New rules limit cops' public engagement

Prohibit sharing personal opinions, unauthorised statements.

ISLAMABAD:

ISLAMABAD

Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ali Nasir Rizvi, has issued a strict directive barring federal police personnel from sharing personal opinions on print and social media platforms without prior permission.

All unit heads have been tasked with enforcing the ban immediately, with strict departmental action promised for non-compliance. The policy, introduced in September, outlines that officers are barred from making public statements, publishing articles, or sharing personal views on social media. Additionally, police personnel are prohibited from making videos or taking photos in uniform within official or private premises for personal publicity.

According to the notification, officers were restrained from speaking at public forums in their official capacity, publishing articles in print media, or giving opinions or official statements across all social media platforms without prior permission. The directive prohibited making videos or taking pictures in police uniform within government premises, buildings, vehicles, or private places for personal publicity and glorification. "No officer or official shall upload any kind of secret or official documents, pictures, or content of such documents on social media," the notification stated, further barring the sharing of personal, political, or religious views on any media platform.

Only the Public Relations Officer of the IG's office is authorised to communicate official police activities. To ensure compliance, chief officers of relevant units will be accountable for their subordinates' adherence to this new media policy. Strict departmental action will be taken against anyone who violates the policy.ors, came to light, the federal police responded by reshuffling ranks and initiating inquiries against personnel.

DIG Syed Ali Raza has directed his team to verify the investigation of Sub-Inspector Sohaib Pasha's case, wherein he was arrested for the abduction and rape of two children from PIMS Hospital, within the Karachi Company police station's jurisdiction.