Decision Will Be Taken Against Those Involved in Campaign Against Journalists: Atta Tarar

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Atta Tarar, has stated that the government has taken notice of the harassment of journalists and those involved in the campaign against them will face decisive action.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar emphasized that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was supporting individuals harassing journalists, a stance that has been condemned by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). He said that, as the Information Minister, he had taken notice of the issue, especially in cases where personal details, such as addresses, names, and photos of journalists and their children, were shared publicly with calls for harm. He questioned why those responsible had fled to D-Chowk, hinting at their own involvement in inciting division within the nation and politics.
Tarar also pointed out the growing rifts within PTI, noting that the party was now facing the consequences of the divisive seeds they had sown. He accused PTI of targeting journalists through social media campaigns, adding that those running these campaigns lacked the ability to confront facts.
Regarding recent developments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tarar expressed his appreciation for the provincial government and its ministers who, for the first time, prioritized national interests over political ones by opposing the call for a civil disobedience movement.
The Federal Minister for Information also condemned the recent calls for a boycott of Pakistani products, labeling it as highly regrettable. He explained that such products are mostly consumed by the middle and lower-income segments of society and refuted claims that these were linked to military foundations. Tarar pointed out that 80% of the employees in military foundations are civilians.
He also criticized efforts to promote foreign agendas against Pakistan and its military, particularly highlighting the role of external forces that fund PTI’s leadership. Tarar further claimed that these foreign influences sought to weaken Pakistan’s military to create opportunities for foreign powers to intervene in the country’s affairs.
He asserted that countries aiming to weaken their militaries and create rifts between the military and the people are doing so with the intention of allowing external powers to assert their influence. Pakistan, according to Tarar, commands respect globally due to its strong military.
In response to a question about the case of journalist Matiullah Jan, Tarar confirmed that Jan had safely returned home and that police investigations would continue. He stated that the situation had been resolved peacefully.
Finally, Tarar warned that those involved in anti-military social media campaigns would face severe consequences, including the blocking of their national identification cards and passports. He referenced Operation Goldsmith and reiterated that such foreign influence on Pakistani politics had been discussed for decades by leaders like Hakim Said and Dr. Israr Ahmad.