Latest news with #Tarar
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Peace in South Asia threatened by Indian policies, says Tarar
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar speaking during the National Assembly session in Islamabad on May 6. — Photo: Radio Pakistan Listen to article Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar warned on Thursday that India's actions could destabilise peace across South Asia. Addressing a policy dialogue on peace in the region, Tarar alleged that India was involved in regional terrorism and pointed to its role in the Pulwama incident. He reiterated Pakistan's longstanding position that the country has itself been a victim of terrorism and has lost 90,000 lives in the war against it. "Pakistan made sacrifices to protect the world from terrorism," Tarar stated, adding that accusing Pakistan of involvement in Pulwama was unjustified. He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had offered an investigation into the attack during his address at Kakul, but India showed no interest due to its aggressive stance. "Modi is politically weaker today than ever before in India's recent history," Tarar added, asserting that despite Pakistan's calls for peace, the government ensured its intentions were not mistaken for weakness. Read: FO rejects New Delhi's Op Sindoor claims He also accused India of attempting to weaponise water, questioning how any one country could unilaterally terminate an international treaty. Tarar said journalists were shown the areas India blamed for Pulwama to prove the baselessness of the allegations. Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan "categorically rejected" Indian claims made during a parliamentary debate on the so-called "Operation Sindoor," accusing New Delhi of distorting facts, glorifying aggression, and pursuing domestic political mileage through provocative narratives. In an official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the spokesperson said that the assertions made by Indian leaders during the Lok Sabha debate reflected a "dangerous tendency" to misrepresent the truth and justify unilateral aggression. "Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless assertions and provocative claims made by the Indian leaders during the Lok Sabha debate on the so-called 'Operation Sindoor'," the spokesperson said. "These statements reflect a dangerous tendency to distort facts, justify aggression, and glorify conflict for domestic consumption."
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Dar not a member of Sugar Advisory Board: Tarar
ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has strongly dismissed recent media reports claiming that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is a member of the Sugar Advisory Board, terming the news misleading and taken out of context. Speaking to the media, Tarar clarified that a written response was submitted by the relevant department in the Senate in reply to a formal question, and all such records are available on the floor of the House. 'Before making such claims, the actual formation and composition of the Sugar Advisory Board should have been checked,' he said. Addressing other matters, the minister also defended Ishaq Dar over remarks related to Dr Aafia Siddiqui, stating that his statement had been deliberately misinterpreted. He noted that the Pakistani government is actively pursuing diplomatic and legal efforts for Dr Siddiqui's release, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already met with Dr Fauzia Siddiqui. A legal committee, headed by the Law Minister, has also been formed to handle the case. Tarar added that unprecedented efforts are being made under the current administration for DrAafia Siddiqui's release, and political opponents are attempting to create controversy by misrepresenting facts. The minister also spoke about Pakistan's progress in regulating crypto currency, stating that it is the only country in the region to have established a proper regulatory framework. He criticised former finance minister Miftah Ismail's views on crypto, comparing them to India's stance. 'Crypto is a growing and regulated industry in Pakistan. Making uninformed statements or spreading baseless allegations only serves enemy agendas, not Pakistan's,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Minister shrugs off PECA criticism
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar speaks to Voice of America in an interview. Photo: Screengrab/VoA Information Minister Atta Tarar said on Wednesday that amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the establishment of a new national agency are aimed at tackling rising digital threats — not suppressing freedom of expression. Speaking in Islamabad, Tarar said the legislation is designed to improve accountability in the online space and protect vulnerable communities. The remarks by the minister come amid growing concerns around freedom of speech in the country. Earlier on Friday, an Islamabad court suspended an order that had banned 27 YouTube channels operated by journalists and commentators. The ban had been imposed by a lower court following a request from the newly formed National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which accused the channels of spreading anti-state and defamatory content. The move was enabled under provisions of the PECA. "These laws are not meant to suppress free speech," he said. "Even the best democracies maintain systems of justice and accountability." He said the legislation seeks to make online spaces safer, particularly for women and vulnerable communities. "The digital space must protect, not endanger, those already at risk in society," he added. Tarar warned that the misuse of social media poses one of the most serious challenges of the modern era. Citing a World Economic Forum report, he said the negative use of digital platforms represents a global threat. "Fake news and propaganda are among the most dangerous issues facing societies today," he said. "Anyone can easily incite violence on these platforms." He blamed all political parties for contributing to the unchecked growth of online misinformation and called for a national effort to promote responsible digital conduct. Information minister noted the rapid expansion of social media and the shift from traditional print to electronic and digital platforms, which, he said, evolved with little oversight. He urged political leaders to use their platforms to raise awareness around societal issues such as gender discrimination and patriarchy. While entertainment and fashion accounts attract millions of followers, he said, social media should also be used for constructive and inclusive dialogue. "Social media should work under a new framework to address real social issues," he concluded.
Express Tribune
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PECA aimed at tackling digital threats, not silencing free speech: Tarar
Listen to article Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar said on Wednesday that amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the establishment of a new national agency are aimed at tackling rising digital threats—not suppressing freedom of expression. Speaking in Islamabad, Tarar said the legislation is designed to improve accountability in the online space and protect vulnerable communities. The remarks by the minister come amid growing concerns around freedom of speech in the country. Earlier on Friday, an Islamabad court suspended an order that had banned 27 YouTube channels operated by journalists and commentators. The ban had been imposed by a lower court following a request from the newly formed National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which accused the channels of spreading anti-state and defamatory content. The move was enabled under provisions of the PECA. 'These laws are not meant to suppress free speech,' he said. 'Even the best democracies maintain systems of justice and accountability.' He said the legislation seeks to make online spaces safer, particularly for women and vulnerable communities. Read: Provinces made party to case against PECA amendments 'The digital space must protect, not endanger, those already at risk in society,' he added. Tarar warned that the misuse of social media poses one of the most serious challenges of the modern era. Citing a World Economic Forum report, he said the negative use of digital platforms represents a global threat. 'Fake news and propaganda are among the most dangerous issues facing societies today,' he said. 'Anyone can easily incite violence on these platforms.' He blamed all political parties for contributing to the unchecked growth of online misinformation and called for a national effort to promote responsible digital conduct. Information minister noted the rapid expansion of social media and the shift from traditional print to electronic and digital platforms, which, he said, evolved with little oversight. He urged political leaders to use their platforms to raise awareness around societal issues such as gender discrimination and patriarchy. While entertainment and fashion accounts attract millions of followers, he said, social media should also be used for constructive and inclusive dialogue. 'Social media should work under a new framework to address real social issues,' he concluded.
Express Tribune
10-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, China agree to enhance media ties to combat fake news
Pakistan and China have agreed to strengthen ties and launch joint broadcasting projects to effectively tackle fake news and disinformation. This agreement was reached during a meeting between Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and Party Secretary of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China Minister Cao Shumin. Both sides agreed that strengthening media, cultural, and people-to-people relations would introduce new dimensions to the longstanding Pakistan-China friendship, reported Radio Pakistan on Thursday. The two leaders discussed enhancing technical training and institutional collaboration, with an emphasis on developing a unified narrative to counter the spread of fake news. They also talked about the potential agreement between China Central Television (CCTV) and Pakistan Television (PTV) to promote the exchange of information and foster cooperation between the two broadcasters Tarar expressed Pakistan's readiness to translate this bilateral media cooperation into practical steps. He highlighted the crucial role of state-run PTV, Radio Pakistan, and the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) in communicating Chinese development projects, including the Belt and Road Initiative and CPEC, as well as cultural ties among the people of both countries. He also pointed out that PTV is strengthening cultural and intellectual bonds by airing Chinese programmes, documentaries and news reports in Urdu. APP's China's News Service, Tarar said, is successfully conveying Pakistan's narrative to Chinese readers. Both leaders agreed that the media organisations of both nations are crucial in bridging the gap between the two peoples and promoting societal understanding and mutual harmony. They identified further opportunities for collaboration in media and culture, which could be advanced through institutional mechanisms. The discussions also included exchange visits for digital influencers from both countries. Tarar noted that in the digital age, such exchanges could inject new energy into bilateral relations. Similarly, Cao Shumin reaffirmed China's trust in Pakistan as a reliable partner and expressed her belief that closer media ties would enhance collaboration. These efforts will be further developed under a joint strategy.
