This letter refers to the news report ‘Classified papers on social media: Government to register cases under Official Secrets Act’ (May 14, 2024). It is time that steps are taken to stop the unrestricted spread of government documents, orders, memos and other official papers on social media. Insider information including proofs of government actions are not supposed to be shared with the people in many cases. This compromises the safety, security and secrecy of the functions of the government.
One is sure many of the forwarded messages with ‘proofs’ are not genuine but still some are proved to be true with the passage of time when the official announcements are made. This trend of disclosing classified information is not limited to Pakistan and happens everywhere. However, the audacity and apathy with which certain elements in Pakistan are engaging in this illegal exercise is, in my view, unmatched.
Anas A Khan
Edmonton
Canada