Guidelines for the use of social media by government servants in Punjab, Pakistan.
Prohibition on Public Statements: Civil servants are prohibited from making public statements, sharing opinions, or information on media or online platforms without prior approval from the Competent Authority.
Ethical Conduct: Social media engagement must adhere to high moral and ethical standards, avoiding content that harms national security, public order, decency, morality, or promotes sectarianism.
Alignment with Official Duties: Officers are directed not to express views or opinions online that are inconsistent with their official duties or that could embarrass the provincial government.
Strict Disciplinary Action: Failure to comply with these instructions will result in strict disciplinary action as per rules and policy.
Subject: GUIDELINES FOR USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA BY GOVERNMENT SERVANTSI am directed to refer to the Office Memorandum letter No.14/04/2021-D-II dated 25.08.2021 issued by the Establishment Division on the captioned subject and the Punjab Civil Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1966, which provide guidelines for the conduct of civil servants, especially their participation in various media forums.
2. According to these rules and instructions, civil servants are prohibited from making public statements, opinions, or sharing information to media or online platforms without due approval of the Competent Authority. Officers serve as representatives of the provincial government and must be mindful of how their actions influence public perception. However, it has been observed with serious concern that some officers are engaging extensively on social media apps and websites, such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp Groups, Instagram, microblogging sites, TikTok, and YouTube, without regard for high moral and ethical standards set by public service. Online comments, views, conduct or personal opinions must not harm national security, violate public order, decency or morality, constitute contempt of court, defamation or incitement to unlawful acts, or promote sectarianism. Such conduct is tantamount to misconduct and inefficiency under the rules.
3. Therefore, the Competent Authority has directed that no officer shall express views, opinions, share information online that do not align with their official duties or may be seen as inappropriate conduct under the applicable rules and shall not make any statement of fact or opinion or act in a manner which is capable of embrassing the provincial government as per Rule 22 of the Rules ibid. Social media engagement must at all times respect the highest standards of integrity, ethical conduct and judgment required of one’s position. Any form of personal glorification or self-aggrandizement through print, electronic or social media whether by publicizing individual achievements, projecting official engagements for personal recognition, or otherwise utilizing governmental activities for personal publicity shall be strictly prohibited.4. I am further directed to intimate that afore mentioned instructions be followed in letter and spirit, by all officials / officers of Government of the Punjab, failing which strict disciplinary action shall be taken against the violators as per rules/law/policy.
(Lt. (Retd.) Ashar Jamil Khan)
SECTION OFFICER (SERVICES-I)
