Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has emphasized that the protection of citizens' lives and property is the government's top priority, warning that any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated.
The Punjab Home Department has issued orders to ban social media use among officials and also equip them with bodycams.
As part of efforts to enhance transparency and improve the behaviour of law enforcement, the Punjab government has initiated the implementation of a decision to equip police officers with body cameras. These cameras are intended to ensure real-time monitoring of police activities during operations, investigations, and traffic duties.
Steps are being taken to provide the bodycams for police officers, sources said. Officers in the police operations, investigation, and traffic wings will be equipped with body cams to record their interactions with the public.
The body cams will allow police departments to monitor their personnel in real-time, ensuring greater accountability and professionalism. Police officers have also been directed to focus on their duties rather than spending time on social media.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reiterated that these steps have been taken to uphold transparency, promote professionalism, and safeguard the rights of citizens through effective law enforcement.
According to a government spokesperson, orders have also been issued to ban the use of social media platforms, including TikTok and Facebook, while on duty. They have been instructed to focus on professionalism instead of using social media.
This action follows concerns that officers were spending more time on social media, particularly making TikTok videos, instead of fulfilling their official responsibilities.
The ban was reportedly issued on the directives of the Punjab chief minister's office, which instructed the Punjab inspector general of police (IGP) to impose restrictions on social media usage. According to a notification, a large number of Punjab Police officers and personnel were using social media platforms, and their videos, including those of women officials, were going viral on social media by the day.
The new policy also strictly prohibits police personnel from uploading videos on social media while wearing their official uniforms, and no activity on social media is allowed without the prior approval of the district police officer (DPO).
Strict departmental action would be taken against the officials found uploading videos on social media in their uniforms. There will be no activity on social media in uniform without the DPO's permission, as per the policy.
