KARACHI: The Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) has issued a new directive strictly prohibiting its employees from expressing any political views or opinions on social media platforms — a move that has reignited debate over freedom of expression and academic independence in Pakistan.
According to the official notice (Ref No. DUHS/Reg./2025/11-44), signed by Registrar Dr. Ashar Afaq and approved by the Vice Chancellor, all DUHS employees are barred from making social media statements or participating in any political discussions, trends, or commentary that may “offend public order, morality, amount to contempt of court, defamation, or harm national security or relations with foreign states.”
The university warned that any violation would be treated as misconduct, making the employee liable for disciplinary action under university rules.
While DUHS officials justify the notification as a step to maintain institutional neutrality and professional ethics, the directive has drawn criticism from rights advocates who view it as a suppression of constitutional freedoms.
Legal experts and civil society representatives have pointed out that Article 19 of Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of speech and expression — subject only to “reasonable restrictions” in the interest of national security, public order, or morality. They argue that a blanket ban on expressing political opinions, even outside official duty, undermines both democratic principles and academic freedom.
Observers note that such restrictions mirror a broader pattern of public institutions in Pakistan imposing tight controls over staff expression online and offline. The development has sparked fresh concerns about shrinking civic space, particularly for educators and public-sector professionals who play a crucial role in shaping democratic discourse.
