Web Desk: Pakistan’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has issued new directives barring government employees from political activities and restricting their use of social media for political expression.
The move underscores the government’s effort to enforce political neutrality within the public sector.
Ban on political participation
According to an official notification, government employees are prohibited from taking part in political rallies, processions or gatherings. They are also barred from using their official positions or government status to influence political activity in any form.
The department said the restrictions apply equally to all public servants, regardless of rank or posting.
Social media restrictions expanded
In addition, the notification places a complete ban on political promotion, support or opposition through personal social media accounts.
Employees may not post, share or engage with political content online, even in a personal capacity, as such activity could compromise the neutrality of public service.
Disciplinary action warned
The department warned that violations of the directives would trigger departmental proceedings.
Such action, it said, would be taken under existing service rules and could include disciplinary penalties as prescribed by law.
Authorities urged government employees to comply with the instructions to avoid legal or professional consequences, emphasising that public servants are expected to remain impartial in political matters.
