Social media ‘misconduct’ costs Lahore policemen their jobs

Constables dismissed for filming in uniform; colleague booked for ‘inflammatory’ content

Lahore Police have launched disciplinary and legal proceedings in two separate incidents involving the misuse of social media by serving officials — dismissing two constables for filming a TikTok video while on duty and booking another for allegedly posting material against state institutions.

In the first case, Constables Shahid and Usman were dismissed from service after a TikTok video they recorded inside the Model Town police station during duty hours went viral. Officials stated that filming in uniform and within the station premises constituted a serious violation of discipline and the Police Order.

Senior officers initiated an internal inquiry after the video surfaced, concluding that both officials had engaged in “non-professional and irresponsible behaviour.”

A formal report of their dismissal has been filed at the Model Town police station.

A Lahore Police spokesperson emphasised that personnel in uniform are required to maintain strict discipline.

“Police stations and duty hours are not meant for social media performances. Any conduct that undermines professionalism will result in stern departmental action,” the spokesperson said.

In a separate incident, an FIR has been registered against Constable Muhammad Aqeel Noor, posted as a computer operator in the office of the SDPO Muslim Town Circle, for allegedly sharing controversial social media content targeting the government and state institutions, as well as material sympathetic to a proscribed organisation.

Officials said a technical audit and internal review confirmed that Aqeel himself operated the account responsible for the posts.

His online activity was described as “sensitive and inflammatory,” prompting the registration of a case under Section 155-C of the Police Order at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal police station.

Senior officers said that the police force would not tolerate any member engaging in online activities that damage state institutions. “The matter is being thoroughly investigated and action will be taken strictly in accordance with the law,” an official added.