EOBI bars officers from using its name in WhatsApp groups

KARACHI: The chairman of the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), Flight Lieutenant (retd) Khaqan Murtaza, has barred officers from using the institution’s name in their WhatsApp groups in view of the damage being caused to the institution’s reputation by these social media groups.

He has also reprimanded officers who are actively using social media, seeking an explanation within seven days from a deputy director (operations) for still remaining active on social media allegedly in defiance of directives issued in this regard.

Over the officer’s failure to comply with the directives, the chairman recently directed that he be removed from his posting in Sahiwal, Punjab, and told to report to the Karachi head office. However, the officer has not yet reported to the head office.

According to sources, the chairman has also ordered withholding the salary of the officer, who was said to be absent from duty without notice.

Sources have said some incautious officers have made it customary to post against each other on social media and share these posts to protect their personal interests. This has led to an escalation in a war of accusations, blackmailing, and threats to expose corruption secrets, they said.

According to Asrar Ayubi, a former EOBI Public Relations officer, Deputy Director General B&C Lahore Muhammad Tahir Farooq had recently filed a written complaint about this serious matter with the head office after noticing the unpleasant situation on social media within the institution. In response, the chairman, through Circular No. 04/2024 dated August 15, expressed deep concern over the issue, ordering immediate deletion of hateful content from the relevant WhatsApp groups and prohibiting the use of EOBI’s name in WhatsApp groups. He also announced that strict disciplinary action would be taken against irresponsible officers.