The Gilgit-Baltistan police chief on Monday banned the use of the social media platform TikTok by personnel of the force for the purpose of maintaining “discipline.”
A notification issued today from the office of the Gilgit-Baltistan Inspector General of Police stated: “In order to maintain discipline, uniformity and dignity of the force, it is hereby directed that no GB police officer/official shall use social media platform (TikTok).”
It ordered all district police officers and unit heads to bring the directive to the notice of all personnel under their command, warning that any non-compliance would be “viewed seriously and cause disciplinary action.”
Social Media Policies for Police Forces Across Pakistan
In July, two constables from the Security Division Islamabad were suspended and faced an inquiry for allegedly violating the capital police’s social media policy by making and uploading TikTok videos in uniform. Sources had said that dozens of other lower-ranking officials had been warned and directed to remove their TikTok accounts to avoid further action.
In March, the Punjab Police warned its officials against expressing “offensive views” about the state using their personal social media accounts.
In September 2024, the Islamabad and Punjab Police had devised policies regarding the use of social media platforms by their personnel. The policies had restrained police officers and officials from giving any opinions or statements across all social media platforms.
Heads were also made responsible for personally supervising and monitoring the activities of officers and officials posted in their respective divisions, zones, and units.
In the same month, the government had once again asked its employees to refrain from using social media to express political or religious opinions, as well as from sharing information with any unauthorized government official or the media.
