Islamabad Police imposes social media ban
Strict social media rules
The new Islamabad Police social media ban prevents officers and other personnel from freely posting content or expressing views online without prior departmental approval.
Under the police social media policy, personnel cannot make videos or take photographs while wearing uniforms, particularly when the material is made for personal publicity or glorification.
The social media restrictions also prevent officers from sharing official or confidential documents, photographs and other departmental material online.
Officers need approval before speaking publicly
The Islamabad Police social media ban also covers statements and public appearances.
Officers and officials cannot give statements to the media or speak at public forums in their official capacity without permission.
The police social media policy also restricts personnel from expressing personal, political or religious views through media platforms in their official capacity.
The social media restrictions further apply to articles written for print media, which require prior approval.
Official communication to be controlled
According to the police social media policy, official communication related to Islamabad Police will be handled through the Public Relations Branch of the Central Police Office.
Personnel who want to highlight departmental activities online must obtain permission through the prescribed departmental channel.
The Islamabad Police social media ban means individual officers cannot independently promote official activities through their personal accounts without approval.
Unit heads to monitor officers
The new social media restrictions also place responsibility on unit heads.
They have been directed to monitor the online activities of personnel working under their command.
Officials who violate the rules may face departmental action.
The police social media policy is intended to keep official information under departmental control and reduce the risk of unauthorised sharing.
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Cyber monitoring also strengthened
The latest Islamabad Police social media ban comes as the department increases its focus on cyber monitoring and online activities.
The Islamabad Police chief recently directed officials to improve cyber patrolling and monitor criminal activities carried out through social media and the internet.
The social media restrictions are therefore part of a wider focus on online activity and the protection of official information.
Similar rules were issued before
The latest police social media policy is not the first directive issued by Islamabad Police.
A similar order was issued in September 2024.
In July 2025, two constables were suspended over allegedly inappropriate social media posts made while wearing police uniforms.
The latest Islamabad Police social media ban shows that the department is again tightening control over how its personnel use online platforms.
