Punjab issues new social media rules for govt employees

Circular instructs officials to avoid expressing personal views or commenting on govt policy without prior approval

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has issued new rules regulating social media use by government employees, stressing caution in sharing statements, opinions, or information online.

A circular issued by the Services and General Administration Department on Wednesday directed officials to refrain from expressing personal views or commenting on government policy without prior approval.

“Officials’ conduct directly influences public perception, and they must exercise utmost caution,” the circular stated. The guidelines cover all platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Content deemed to threaten national security, public order, or morality is strictly prohibited.

Similarly, material defaming the government or judiciary, promoting illegal acts, or inciting sectarianism will not be tolerated.

The circular further warned that pursuing personal fame or self-promotion on social media is strictly forbidden. Government employees are expected to uphold high ethical standards, integrity, and responsibility when engaging online.

It concluded with a warning that disciplinary action will be taken against officials found violating the rules.

Mobile phone use in schools banned

Last year, the Punjab government banned the use of mobile phones by teachers and students in schools. All district education officers were instructed to strictly enforce the ban in both government and private schools.

The government also instructed teachers to wear coats, proper shoes, and watches during school hours. According to sources in the Punjab School Education Department, complaints had been received about time being wasted due to teachers’ frequent use of mobile phones.

A senior official said that the use of phones to record videos and share them on social media by students and teachers had caused more serious problems.

The government sent 20 instructions to the chief executive officers of all district education authorities. The official said the guidelines had been prepared by the education ministry to ensure discipline and the welfare of students.

All teachers were required to deposit their phones in the administration offices. The phones were to be confiscated and departmental action taken in case of violation of the ban.

Teachers and students were instructed to display school badges and cards. As per the instructions, students were to wear navy blue sweaters, and those without the uniform were not allowed to enter the schools.

The administrations of all schools were instructed to display the timetable. Class representatives were to be selected to ensure discipline, and schools were also asked to display patriotic slogans.

Students were required to use registers for writing in class, and teachers were instructed to write the number of students present on a corner of the blackboard.

Commenting on the instructions, Punjab Teachers Union Secretary General Rana Liaqat Ali said that schoolteachers across the province had already avoided using phones, and the ban was a good step.