On October 1, the Punjab government introduced stringent new rules governing social media use by government employees. According to a circular issued by the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), officials are now prohibited from sharing personal opinions, statements, or any information related to government policies without prior authorization.
The directive stresses that the conduct of public officials directly shapes public perception, urging them to exercise utmost caution when using social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
The circular bans any content that could endanger national security, disrupt public order, defame the government or judiciary, violate moral standards, promote illegal activities, or incite sectarianism.
In addition, government employees are explicitly barred from using social media platforms for personal fame or self-promotion. They are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and responsibility in their online presence.
The Punjab government reinforced these restrictions through official communications sent to all departments, reiterating that any violation of the new rules will result in disciplinary action.
“Officials’ conduct directly influences public perception, and they must exercise utmost caution,” the circular stated, underscoring the importance of preserving the integrity of government operations and public trust.
