Balochistan Govt Tightens Conduct Rules for Public Servants, Bans Strikes and Social Media Activity

**Quetta:** The Balochistan government has introduced strict amendments to the Balochistan Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1979, significantly tightening regulations for public sector employees. The amendments were approved by the Governor of Balochistan and notified by the Chief Secretary through an official notification.

According to the notification, government employees are now completely barred from participating in strikes, sit-ins, protests, or office gheraos. Any form of strike has been declared an act of corruption and misconduct. Absence from duty due to strikes will be treated as a break in service, while office lockouts or gheraos may lead to criminal proceedings.

The amended rules also state that holding two government jobs simultaneously will result in dismissal from service and legal action. Government employees will no longer be allowed to associate with private institutions, trusts, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), nor will they be permitted to engage in private business, employment, or work of any kind.

Under the new regulations, the formation or registration of any union or association will require prior approval from the Chief Secretary of Balochistan. Membership in unapproved associations has been banned, and violations may lead to the cancellation of an association’s registration. The Chief Secretary has been granted full authority to approve or revoke such registrations.

Additionally, the amendments prohibit the display of posters or notices on the walls of government offices. Strict rules have also been imposed on the use of social media by government employees, barring them from discussing or sharing information related to government affairs on social platforms.

The notification emphasizes that these measures aim to enforce discipline within the public sector and ensure uninterrupted functioning of government offices across the province.