The new order of the Ministry of Interior would remain valid for a period of six months commencing from December 14, 2012. The government has empowered Special Branches concerned and the Intelligence Bureau to intercept and detain, in the interest of the public safety and tranquillity, foreign as well as inland mail, other than the diplomatic bags during the course of transmission by post or at the place of posting or delivery.
The Interior Ministry''s Order is subject to the condition that Head of the Department ie Director General in case of Intelligence Bureau and DIG of Special Branch in case of Special Branches in the province should personally order the censorship of mail of the organisations/individuals and it should not be discriminatory, so that facility is not misused and the delivery of mail is not delayed, sources maintained. The material, not found subversive or obscene should be returned to Pakistan Post Office by the Special Branch expeditiously for delivery to the addressee concerned. Special care should be taken to ensure that this extension order of Interior Ministry does not come in the Press/Media, Ministry of Interior added.
Following is the text of the order issued by Ministry of Interior: In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (I) of section 26 of the Post Office Act 1898 (VI of 1898), the Federal Government is pleased to direct in the interest of the public safety and tranquillity that foreign and inland mail, other than the diplomatic bags, shall in the course of transmission by post or at the place of posting or delivery, be subjected to interception by the Special Branches and Intelligence Bureau and shall be detained and delivered to the Superintendent of Police of the Special Branch concerned for security and disposal.