Islamabad: Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has urged the people as well as the electronic and social media users to play a responsible role and avoid unnecessary comments on foreign policy issues in view of prevailing regional situation. He was addressing a press conference in Islamabad today flanked by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhary.
According to Radio Pakistan, Azam Nazeer Tarar called for pursuing a responsible journalism, exercising caution while reporting and stressed that the country's interests should be given top priority. He said Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, stressing that there would be reasonable restrictions on it under the law. He mentioned that it does not permit unnecessary debates that could compromise relations with brotherly nations.
The Minister highlighted that the masses have the fundamental right to freedom of expression, but one must be careful when it comes to the glory of Islam, the integrity, security and defence of Pakistan and friendly relations with foreign countries. Azam Nazeer Tarar noted that the region is passing through a difficult phase and Pakistan is playing its due role to defuse the regional tension through its vibrant foreign policy and careful diplomacy.
He emphasized that as a nation, it is crucial to keep the constitution and Pakistan's foreign policy under consideration while expressing views. The Minister also mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held telephonic conversations with counterparts in the region and postponed the visit to Russia considering the prevailing regional situation.
In his remarks, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar urged the media persons to come forward with the state narrative and prioritize the country's interest above personal preferences. He pointed out that the Foreign Office has played a key role during the current situation and that Pakistan's interests are paramount. Any kind of unnecessary comments on social media about foreign policy are deemed harmful.
Attaullah Tarar further stated that Pakistan maintains close and friendly relations with regional countries. He warned that negative V-logging solely for the sake of views on the relations between two countries can be harmful, adding that creating sensation during the current situation is not a service to Pakistan.