The PML-N social media team created a new Twitter account for the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and has archived the official Twitter account of the Prime Minister’s Office.
After Shehbaz Sharif became the new prime minister, his social media team archived the official account of PMO. Created in 2018, the previous government used the account to regularly inform its followers of the latest developments emanating from the PM Office. This was rather useful as it established a reliable way of communication between the government and the public.
However, in an unusual move, the PML-N team archived the Twitter account while adding PTI’s tenure to the name. Important to note that archiving verified social media accounts of outgoing officials or institutions never happened before. Instead, they continue to operate as usual.
Congratulations to Pakistan Army for the successful launch of Shaheen-III. We are proud to have a professional & globally competent armed forces defending the country. Salute to all the brave scientists & soldiers bending this great success.
United we stand as one Pakistan🇵🇰 https://t.co/uguoelHDRY
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 9, 2022
For instance, the official Twitter account of the DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) was first created in December 2016. Since then, three officials held office. However, the official account continues to operate irrespective of who holds the office.
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Similarly, the official Twitter account of the Office of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad (@dcislamabad) was created in June 2010. After that, several DCs held office but the official account remained the same. To further interact with the public on a more personal level, officials use their own personal Twitter accounts.
New Twitter account of PM Office
On the other hand, PML-N created a new Twitter account for the PMO i.e. @PMO_PK . It was created on April 11 and currently has 24.2K [at the time of publishing] followers. Interestingly, there are reports stating that the outgoing PTI denied giving access to the verified PMO Twitter account.
As a result, PML-N had to create a new account and archive the old one. However, it remains unclear whether it is true or not as PTI did not issue any clarification yet. Nevertheless, PML-N is communicating official information through the new account. The latest tweet is on the PML-N government striving for a stronger relation with the US.
https://twitter.com/PMO_PK/status/1514104431767339010?s=20&t=fzjgu0Vlm6XhbURukhUaog
Personal account for official purposes?
Moreover, it seems that PML-N’s social media team also used prime minister Shehbaz Sharif’s personal account for official purposes.
I have ordered the implementation of the various initiatives I announced yesterday during my address at the floor of the National Assembly. Our government will work for the well-being of all, day in and day out.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 12, 2022
Furthermore, PM Shehbaz Sharif also thanked PM Narendra Modi on his Twitter account. India’s PM Modi congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the prime minister of Pakistan. In response, Shehbaz Sharif thanked Modi for the felicitations.
“Thankyou premier Narendra Modi for felicitations. Pakistan desires peaceful and cooperative ties with India. Peaceful settlement of outstanding disputes including Jammu and Kashmir is indispensable. Pakistan’s sacrifices in fighting terrorism are well-known. Let’s secure peace and focus on socio-economic development of our people,” PM Shehbaz wrote.
Thank you Premier Narendra Modi for felicitations. Pakistan desires peaceful & cooperative ties with India. Peaceful settlement of outstanding disputes including Jammu & Kashmir is indispensable. Pakistan's sacrifices in fighting terrorism are well-known. Let's secure peace and.. https://t.co/0M1wxhhvjV
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 12, 2022
Earlier, communication of Pakistan’s prime minister with other heads of states would immediately be shared on the PMO Twitter account. However, the PML-N social media team did not share this communication on the new Twitter account.
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