Police personnel across Pakistan are being prohibited from using social media platforms while on duty, as part of a sweeping policy first implemented by the Punjab police, followed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police.
Now, Karachi’s law enforcement officers are also subject to the same restrictions.In a significant move, Karachi’s Police Chief Javed Alam Odho has introduced a strict social media policy, which bars officers from using platforms like TikTok without prior authorisation.
The directive reflects ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to regulate the digital activities of police personnel.
Seven-day ultimatum issued for compliance
The new policy was communicated through an official letter from Additional Inspector General (AIG) Odho to high-ranking officials in the Karachi Range, including Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs).
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The directive outlines a series of guidelines, focusing on how officers are to engage with social media during and outside their duties.This decision follows earlier efforts by Sindh Inspector General (IG) Ghulam Nabi Memon to limit police officers’ use of TikTok.
The policy now mandates that any content featuring police uniforms, vehicles, or equipment must receive prior approval before being posted online, and such content can only be shared through official police accounts.The policy explicitly prohibits officers from posting or engaging with content that could be deemed disrespectful based on race, gender, caste, or religion. It also bans the sharing of personal, political, or religious views on social media. Official social media accounts regarding police activities are to be managed by authorised personnel only.
Furthremor, AIG Odho has given the force a seven-day deadline to remove any inappropriate videos or posts from personal social media accounts, marking an immediate effort to align the online presence of Karachi’s police force with the newly established standards.
