ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Police have introduced a new social media policy for all officers and personnel, barring them from using social media in ways that violate departmental rules.
The policy restricts making or sharing videos and photographs of police personnel in uniform. It prohibits the use of the police uniform for personal promotion, publicity, fame or glamour.
What the Islamabad Police Policy Says
Under the new policy, officers and personnel of all ranks face restrictions on the use of social media platforms and on sharing content related to the department. Making or sharing videos and photographs of personnel in uniform has been restricted across the board.
The order specifically bars officers and personnel from making videos while wearing the uniform in government vehicles, offices or private locations. The aim is to stop the uniform from being used as a prop for personal fame.
Uniform Not for Personal Promotion
The policy states that the police uniform may not be used for personal promotion, publicity, fame or glamour. Officers have been told to keep their personal social media activity separate from their official identity.
The restriction applies to all ranks, from senior officers to constables. It covers videos and photographs taken in uniform anywhere, including private places, if they are meant for social media.
Monitoring and Disciplinary Action
Earlier Islamabad police directives on the subject required unit heads to supervise and monitor the social media activity of officers under their command. Officers who wanted to highlight positive departmental work had to seek approval from the deputy inspector general (headquarters) through the public relations branch of the Central Police Office.
Violations of the rules have drawn strict departmental action in the past, including suspension. The new policy carries the same warning: breaches will invite disciplinary action under the rules.
Other Forces Have Issued Similar Bans
Islamabad is not the first force to move against uniform videos and personal social media use. Karachi police introduced a similar policy on September 21, directing officers and personnel to remove inappropriate content from their social media accounts within seven days.
The Karachi directive, issued by Additional Inspector General Javed Alam Odho, banned officers from using official police resources such as vehicles, uniforms and headquarters in social media posts without prior approval. Police forces in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also placed restrictions on social media use by their personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has Islamabad Police banned?
Officers and personnel of all ranks have been barred from using social media in ways that violate departmental rules. Making or sharing videos and photographs in uniform has been restricted.
Can officers post videos in uniform at all?
No. The policy bars officers and personnel from making videos while wearing the uniform in government vehicles, offices or private locations.
Can officers use the uniform for personal promotion?
No. The policy expressly prohibits the use of the police uniform for personal promotion, publicity, fame or glamour.
What happens if officers break the rules?
Violations invite strict disciplinary action under departmental rules, which can include suspension depending on the seriousness of the breach.
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Originally reported by kashmirenglish.pk.
