ISLAMABAD:
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) raised concerns and flagged self-censorship risks on Thursday over Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar’s warning of possible legal action against journalists and commentators who crossed “red lines” while discussing Pakistan’s foreign policy amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
CPJ’s Asia-Pacific regional director, Beh Lih Yi, voiced alarm over the minister’s statement in a post on X. “We are alarmed by Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar’s warning that Pakistani journalists and commentators could face legal action for critical coverage of foreign policy,” she said.
The media watchdog said independent analysis and reporting on international affairs were critical for public understanding of how global developments affect domestic issues.
“What happens abroad affects people at home, and threats like this can foster self-censorship among the press that ultimately undermines the public’s right to information,” Yi said.
She urged the government to ensure that no journalist was targeted for their work. “Pakistani authorities must make clear they will not use broadly framed legal threats or political pressure to silence critical reporting on foreign policy,” it added.
The CPJ is an independent, nonprofit organisation that promotes press freedom worldwide and defends journalists’ right to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal.
The statement came a day after Tarar urged media organisations and online commentators to exercise caution when discussing Pakistan’s foreign policy, saying certain analyses had caused “unease” among friendly countries.
