Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar addresses a press conference in Islamabad on March 28, 2024. PHOTO: PID
ISLAMABAD:
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday urged media and online commentators to exercise caution when discussing Pakistan’s foreign policy amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, warning that some analyzes had caused “unease” among friendly countries.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Information Minister Ataullah Tarar and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudry, the minister said the comments coming from Pakistan had prompted diplomatic questions from abroad as to whether the views represented official policy or a personal opinion.
Tarar stressed the need to exercise restraint in discussions on social media, electronic media and print platforms. “As a nation, we must keep in mind that when we express our views, we must take into account the constitution and foreign policy of Pakistan,” he said.
He added that some of Pakistan’s comments had raised concerns among diplomatic partners.
“We were asked whether this was Pakistan’s position or an individual position,” he said, noting that such reactions came “at least from a friendly country or another corner.”
At the start of the press conference, the law minister reiterated Pakistan’s official position on the Middle East crisis, saying the country continued to support diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.
He stressed that discourse emanating from the media and social networks should be cautious given the sensitivity of the situation.
“Pakistan is a responsible state and a nuclear state. Pakistan has a vital role in the region; it has its own identity and its own position in terms of defense and foreign policy,” the minister said.
Article 19
Tarar also referred to Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, while reminding journalists and commentators that this right has legal limits.
“You have the fundamental right to freedom of expression, but you must be careful when it comes to the glory of Islam, the integrity, security and defense of Pakistan or any part thereof, as well as friendly relations with foreign states.”
He said that while citizens have the right to express their opinions, those opinions must remain within constitutional boundaries.
“Regarding Pakistan’s foreign policy and its relations with the Gulf countries […] we cannot speculate if Pakistan is with Iran, so what could this mean for its relations with Saudi Arabia [ ] or if we are with the UAE, what does that mean for our relationship with Saudi Arabia. »
“Let’s leave that to the State to decide,” said the minister, calling on the public to have “confidence” in the State’s decisions.
He reiterated that “such analyzes must be made with the greatest caution”, adding that certain forms of discussion do not fall within the scope of protected speech.
The minister also noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had several phone calls with his regional counterparts in recent days as part of diplomatic efforts.
Pakistan, he declared, intends to “play its role” alongside “brotherly countries to resolve tensions”.
He once again urged media professionals to “consider the extent to which the Constitution allows everyone to express themselves on Pakistan’s foreign policy.”
“Responsible journalism”
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar also warned against sensationalism, particularly from online commentators and digital content creators.
“Pakistan has its foreign policy and it maintains a balance in terms of relations that we share with our respective Muslim countries,” he said.
He advised commentators not to weaken the country’s diplomatic position by offering speculative interpretations.
He added that foreign policy issues should not be viewed in the same light as domestic political debates.
Asked if a particular vlog had raised concerns for Pakistan’s diplomatic relations, the law minister said: “No relationship has been affected, nor will it be.”
“We only need to exercise caution given the sensitivity of the situation,” he added, stressing that the country needed “responsible journalism.”
