The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police department has strictly prohibited social media use for its officers and personnel.
This latest directive reinforces similar restrictions in place for the past three years, which banned social media platforms and smartphones during working hours. Despite these longstanding rules, many within the force have consistently disregarded the restrictions.
The widespread defiance has led to an unexpected phenomenon: some police officers have gained significant followings on popular platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, effectively becoming social media influencers. This development has raised concerns among department leadership.
Of particular worry is the trend of officers using these platforms to voice criticism against both police force policies and government decisions. The public nature of these posts has prompted repeated orders over the last three years for officers to cease their social media activities. However, these directives have largely been ignored, leading to the current, more forceful ban.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Headquarters, has issued a comprehensive circular to regional and district police officers, mandating strict implementation of the social media ban for all police personnel.
This latest directive goes beyond simply prohibiting social media use. It prohibits officers from incorporating any KP Police imagery in their online profiles. This includes using the official police flag, emblems, insignia, uniform elements, equipment, arms, ammunition, and the department’s logo. Even personal photographs featuring officers in uniform are now off-limits for social media use.
Despite the clarity of these instructions, the circular acknowledges the ongoing non-compliance. It states that a significant number of police officers continue to disregard these regulations, highlighting the challenges faced by department leadership in enforcing the social media policy.
The circular said, “Such violations not only threaten the integrity of the department but also endanger the lives of the members of the KP Police.”
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