Information minister says propaganda aims to undermine Pakistan’s efforts for regional stability
Information Minister Ata Tarar speaks during a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, October 9, 2025. SCREENSHOT/File
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Thursday criticized what he called “negative propaganda and campaign” aimed at discrediting Pakistan’s role in promoting lasting peace in the region, saying such efforts reflected the frustration of those opposed to peace.
In a statement published on X, the minister said the campaign was launched with “malicious intent”.
“The aim is to deliberately create confusion and misinformation, quoting anonymous sources and officials. This unprofessional intention to discredit Pakistan’s role for lasting peace in the region speaks to the frustration of those who are weary of peace,” Tarar said.
In recent days, we have observed a coordinated negative information campaign, launched from outside Pakistan, with malicious intentions. The aim is to deliberately create confusion and misinformation, citing anonymous sources and officials. This…
– Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) May 14, 2026
The minister said credible national media and multiple fact-checking forums had already exposed the propaganda.
“We understand very clearly that behind such stories are certain elements, mainly the peace detractors, who are unable to accept Pakistan’s role for peace in the region as well as Pakistan’s continued and successful fight against foreign sponsored and encouraged terrorism,” the statement said.
Tarar said eliminating terrorism, resolving disputes and prevailing peace may not suit the campaign’s promoters.
However, he added that Pakistan and its “responsible media” would continue to expose what he called “nefarious designs” behind the coordinated effort.
Read: Pakistan rejects report on Iranian planes at Nur Khan air base, calling it ‘misleading’
“The efforts and role of Pakistani media and influencers in unmasking this malicious campaign are most commendable,” the statement added.
Although the minister did not specifically refer to any report, CBS News earlier this week published an article alleging that Pakistan, despite presenting itself as a diplomatic intermediary between Iran and the United States, had “discreetly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park at its airfields, potentially protecting them from U.S. airstrikes.”
The report cited unnamed U.S. officials believed to be aware of the matter.
The Foreign Office, however, categorically rejected the report, calling it “misleading and sensationalist” and stating that “such speculative narratives appear intended to undermine ongoing efforts for regional stability and peace.”
“The Iranian aircraft currently stationed in Pakistan arrived during the ceasefire period and has no connection with any military contingency or preservation agreement,” the foreign ministry had said.
“Some aircraft and support personnel remained temporarily in Pakistan in preparation for subsequent engagement rounds,” the statement added.
The ministry called any claims suggesting otherwise “speculative, misleading and completely detached from the factual context.”
Read also: FO reaffirms its commitment to dialogue and rejects “misleading” information from international media on regional tensions
In recent months, Pakistan has attracted international attention for its involvement in mediation efforts between Iran and the United States amid the Middle East crisis.
Last month, Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, followed by critical talks in Islamabad attended by high-level delegations from both countries on April 11 and 12.
However, neither side was able to reach an agreement to end the war.
Since then, the two warring sides have exchanged formulas and counter-formulas to reach common ground and resume a second round of direct talks to end the conflict that has already disrupted global energy supplies and daily life in the region.
