ISLAMABAD – The federal government took a decision to take action against the individuals involved sharing or leaking the classified inflation across the social media platforms, the sources privy to the development said on Thursday.
The sources said that the cabinet division issued directives to ministries and affiliated institutions.
The development takes place at the moment when there is a huge hue and cry about secretly recording the statements or telephonic conversations of the citizens.
The sources said that the officials of the ministries and divisions were directed to ensure safeguarding classified materials.
They said, “any officer found culpable of leaking or sharing such documents will face prosecution under the Official Secrets Act of 2023, with potential penalties including a two-year imprisonment,”.
Taking to X, Defence Minsiter Khawaja Asif acknowledged the concern following the public exposure of classified documents, particularly those labeled as secret.
He highlighted the grave consequences such actions could have on Pakistan’s diplomatic relations and national interests.
In a related development, on May 9, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sanctioned a draft amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 to regulate social media activities. The proposed amendment includes the establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Agency (DRPA) under the PECA Act of 2024.
