Media urged to exercise restraint in Middle East crisis

ISLAMABAD:

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday urged the media and online commentators to exercise caution when discussing Pakistan’s foreign policy amid rising tensions in the Middle East, warning that certain analyzes had caused “unrest” 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 emerging from Pakistan had sparked diplomatic inquiries from abroad on whether such views represented official policy or personal opinion.

Tarar highlighted the need for moderation in discussions on social media, electronic media and print platforms. “As a nation, we must keep in mind that while expressing our views, we must take into account the constitution and foreign policy of Pakistan,” he said.

He added that certain comments by Pakistan had raised concerns among diplomatic partners.

“We have been asked whether it was Pakistan’s position or an individual position,” he said, noting that such reactions came from “at least one friendly country or some other corner.”

At the start of the press conference, the Law Minister reiterated Pakistan’s official position on the Middle East crisis, stating that the country continued to support diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.

He stressed that narratives emerging from both the media and social media should reflect caution given the sensitivity of the situation.

“Pakistan is a responsible State and a nuclear State. Pakistan has an essential role in the region; it has its own identity and its own posture 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 the right carries legal limits.

“They have the fundamental right to freedom of expression, but they must be careful when it comes to the glory of Islam, the integrity, security and defense of Pakistan or any part of it, and friendly relations with foreign states.”

He said that while citizens had the right to express opinions, those opinions must remain within constitutional limits.

“In regards to Pakistan’s foreign policy and its relations with the Gulf […] We cannot speculate if Pakistan is with Iran, so what could it mean for its relations with Saudi Arabia? […] “Or if we are with the United Arab Emirates, what does that mean for our relations with Saudi Arabia?”

“Let the State decide,” the minister said, urging the public to have “faith” in the State’s decisions.

He reiterated that “such analyzes must be done with the utmost caution,” adding that some forms of debate do not fall within the scope of protected expression.

The minister also noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had held several phone calls with his regional counterparts in recent days as part of diplomatic efforts.

Pakistan, he said, intends to “play its role” along with “brotherly countries to resolve tensions.”

He once again urged media professionals to “see to what extent the Constitution allows talking about Pakistan’s foreign policy.”

‘Responsible journalism’

Information Minister Ataullah Tarar also warned against sensationalism, particularly by online commentators and digital content creators.

“Pakistan has its foreign policy and maintains a balance in terms of the relations we share with our respective Muslim countries,” he said.

He advised commentators not to undermine the country’s diplomatic standing by offering speculative interpretations.

He added that foreign policy issues should not be viewed through the same lens as domestic political debates.

Asked if a particular vlog had caused concern for Pakistan’s diplomatic relations, the law minister said: “No relationship has been affected and neither will it be.”

“We just have to act cautiously taking into account the sensitivity of the situation,” he added, stressing that the country needs “responsible journalism.”