Cops flouting ban on use of social media during duty hours

MARDAN: Despite the ban on the use of social media by cops during duty hours, the majority of police officers and constables of Mardan district have created accounts on TikTok and other social media platforms, raising questions about their professional conduct and discipline.

It may be noted that on September 15, 2024, the Central Police Office issued an official notification directing all Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to ensure that officers and personnel at every level refrained from using social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube.

The order prohibited posting pictures in uniform, with badges, or displaying weapons on personal accounts, citing security risks and damage to the department’s reputation. According to the directives, the primary objective of the ban was to safeguard the integrity of the police force and protect personnel from potential security threats.

On September 26, 2024, police officials in Peshawar andShangla who were found using social media were issued show-cause notices and warning letters. They were instructed to delete their accounts within three days.

On April 9, 2025, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa banned the practice of presenting arrested suspects before YouTubers for interviews.He ordered strict disciplinary action against officers involvedin unauthorized social media use.

Since November 2021, the provincial police have issued social media restriction orders nine times. However, repeated violations prompted the leadership to take even tougher measures to ensure compliance.

However, despite the ban, many officers and cops in Mardan district frequently upload videos, selfies, and other content while in uniform, which has sparked debate among citizens regarding the image of the police force.

Some of these videos have gone viral, attracting both praise and criticism from the public.According to observers, while social media provided an opportunity for law-enforcement to build community trust, excessive and non-professional use during duty hours could affect their performance and tarnish the department’s reputation.

Citizens urged the higher authorities to issue clear guidelines for the use of social media by police officials to maintain discipline and ensure that official duties remain their top priority.