Law minister urges media to avoid debating foreign policy citing regional sensitivities

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday advised media to refrain from holding discussions on the foreign policy of Pakistan, highlighting the “sensitivities” of the regional situation, specifically amid the ongoing US-Iran-Israel conflict and border tensions with Afghanistan.

“Pakistan has made extensive diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions,” the law minister stated, addressing media in Islamabad while flanked by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry.

“There is freedom of expression, but irresponsible commentary on national security and friendly nations will not be tolerated,” the minister said, adding that certain individuals on social media are making irresponsible comments regarding Pakistan’s relations with foreign countries.

Pakistan was the first to condemn the attack on Iran, Azam said, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of the Iranian supreme leader. Pakistan also presented its stance at the UN Security Council, he maintained.

The issue of attacks on friendly countries was also mulled over, the minister noted. He added that the tense situation in the region is a challenge for the government as well and Pakistan has endeavoured to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

In his remarks on media debates on the regional conflicts, he said: “We are becoming entangled in unnecessary matters while commenting.” Under Article 19, every citizen has the right to freedom of expression; however, we need to be very cautious in our comments and discussions, Azam emphasised.

“It is essential for electronic and social media to play a responsible role. Debate regarding foreign policy should be avoided,” he advised.

He also said the right to freedom of expression should be exercised within the boundaries of the Constitution and the law. Pakistan is a “defensive and a responsible state” and it is currently going through a difficult period, he said.

“Pakistan is playing an effective role in ending the recent tensions. We must realise that this is a volatile situation. Witnessing this tension, we must not let go of the err on the side of caution. We must see what lies in the survival and security of Pakistan,” Azam said, warning that if the red line is crossed, action will be taken.

Meanwhile, Attaullah said Pakistan is a strong state and its interest comes first.

Since we maintain friendly relations with regional countries, unnecessary comments regarding foreign policy are harmful, he stressed. “Negative vlogs about the relations between two countries—created merely for views—can be damaging. Spreading sensationalism can harm the state’s policy,” Tarar warned.