The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice of the caretaker government has recently warned that it is monitoring social media platforms and that the “unlawful and immoral use of social media” will face legal consequences.
Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, the spokesperson for the ministry, stated today (Monday, May 12) in an audio message broadcast by the national television that no individual or institution has the right to use social media for “wrongful and immoral purposes.”
In his message, Mr. Khyber emphasized that social media should be used for publishing accurate news, promoting religious and contemporary sciences, strengthening the unity of the Islamic Ummah, and encouraging mutual respect. It should not be a source of prejudice, insult, or moral and intellectual corruption.
He further added that the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, using its legal authority and available resources, monitors and takes action against all networks, pages, and accounts that aim to undermine the beliefs, thoughts, and mental well-being of the Ummah.
The spokesperson also called on social media users, including those living abroad, to use social media platforms to “defend Islam, promote unity among the Ummah, and uphold moral values.”
The ministry has warned that the “immoral and unlawful” use of social media will be subject to legal prosecution.
It is worth noting that the current government has already imposed restrictions on the media and journalists, and on several occasions has arrested and imprisoned media workers for not adhering to the laws.
Additionally, the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has banned the publication of images of living beings.
