KP govt issues strict ban on social media use for officers on duty

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police department has issued a strict ban on social media use for its officers and personnel, reinforcing a three-year-old directive that has been consistently disregarded.

Despite previous restrictions, many officers have gained significant followings on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter, becoming social media influencers and raising concerns among department leadership.

The ban prohibits officers from using social media platforms, and smartphones during working hours, and incorporating KP Police imagery in their online profiles, including official police flag, emblems, insignia, uniform elements, equipment, arms, ammunition, logo, and personal photographs featuring officers in uniform.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police has issued a comprehensive circular mandating strict implementation of the social media ban, citing ongoing non-compliance and the risks it poses to the department’s integrity and officers’ lives.

The circular states that violations “endanger the lives of KP Police members” and threaten the department’s integrity.

This latest directive aims to enforce discipline and prevent officers from using social media to criticize police force policies and government decisions.

However, the department faces challenges in enforcing the policy, as many officers continue to disregard the regulations.