Info Minister Criticizes Legal Notice to Journalist as Attack on Press Freedom

Islamabad: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has expressed deep concern and regret over the notice sent to journalist Abdullah Momand, affiliated with Dawn News, by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In a statement today, Attaullah Tarar described the billion-rupee legal notice served to Abdullah Momand, merely for asking a question, as an attack on press freedom, a violation of democratic principles, and a departure from constitutional norms.

According to Radio Pakistan, Attaullah Tarar emphasized that it is the duty of journalists to ask questions, and issuing legal notices in response is not only unconstitutional and unlawful but also an unjust and coercive tactic. The Minister said such actions are intended to silence journalists and deal a serious blow to democratic culture. He stressed that democratic values require questions to be answered with reason and transparency, not through intimidation or harassment. He further asserted that serving defamation notices and threatening cybercrime charges against journalists is unacceptable under any circumstances.

Attaullah Tarar condemned this behavior as a misuse of state authority and power. He warned that such actions harm Pakistan’s reputation both domestically and internationally. The Minister highlighted that media freedom and the protection of journalists are recognized globally as fundamental human rights, and incidents like these undermine Pakistan’s positive image on the world stage.

He expressed deep regret that every move by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf appears to run counter to the national interest. He added that curbs on press freedom, mockery of institutions, and attempts to malign public representatives have become routine for the party. Attaullah Tarar reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for the journalist community and pledged to stand firmly against any effort to suppress the media or erode democratic values.