ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has strongly condemned the defamation notice reportedly sent to journalist Abdullah Momand of Dawn News by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressing serious concern and regret over the move.
In a statement issued on Friday, Minister Tarar termed the PKR 1 billion legal notice sent to Momand for merely asking a question as a direct assault on press freedom, a violation of democratic norms, and a breach of the Constitution.
He asserted that a journalist’s job is to ask questions, and retaliating with a legal notice is not only unconstitutional and unlawful, but also a deliberate tactic to silence the press and undermine democratic culture.
“Such actions aim to intimidate journalists and muzzle free speech, which strikes at the very heart of democratic values,” Tarar said.
He emphasized that in a democratic society, questions should be answered with logic and transparency, not with threats and harassment. The federal minister added that threats of defamation suits and cybercrime proceedings against journalists are unacceptable and tantamount to abuse of power.
Calling out the behavior of the KP Chief Minister, Tarar stated that using state positions and authority for personal vindication not only damages the democratic fabric within the country but also harms Pakistan’s image on the international stage.
He further remarked that freedom of the press and protection of journalists are considered basic human rights globally, and any violation of these principles portrays Pakistan in a negative light.
“It is deeply unfortunate that every move by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) seems to be against national interest,” he added. “Restricting media freedom, undermining institutions, and targeting public representatives have become routine for the party.”
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stand with the journalist community and vowed to resist any attempts to suppress the media or undermine democratic values.
