Latest news with #Tarar
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- 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
7 days ago
- 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.
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Dialogue Among Civilisations: Tarar arrives in Beijing to attend Ministerial Conference
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar arrived in Beijing to attend the high-level Ministerial Conference on Dialogue Among Civilisations, where he will deliver a keynote address on the theme 'Civilisation Exchange and Mutual Learning: Cultural Heritage and Innovation.' The two-day forum, taking place on July 10–11, is being organised by the Publicity and International Departments of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee in collaboration with China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is part of President Xi Jinping's Global Civilization Initiative, which aims at promoting mutual respect and deeper understanding among world cultures. Minister Tarar's participation underscores Pakistan's commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation among civilizations in the fields of culture, media, and innovation. During his visit, Minister Tarar is also scheduled to meet with Cao Shou Min, Deputy Head of the CPC Central Committee's Publicity Department and Party Secretary and Minister of China's National Radio and Television Administration. The meeting will focus on strengthening Pakistan-China media cooperation, exploring opportunities for cultural exchange, and enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations. Highlighting the importance of intercultural dialogue, Minister Tarar stated, 'Dialogue among civilisations is the foundation of global harmony, peace, and development. Pakistan will continue to play its active role in this vital process.' He added that growing media and cultural collaboration between Pakistan and China is bringing the people of both countries closer and strengthening bilateral ties. Calling the event a unique opportunity to foster mutual respect and learning across global civilisations, the minister emphasised that such initiatives reflect the shared vision of the leadership and people of Pakistan and China. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PARTLY FACETIOUS: Theatre is not always make believe
'So Tarar says during meetings of standing committees as well as in parliament the Opposition keeps on seeking a meeting or bail or release of The Man Who Must Remain Nameless and Faceless – forums that are not empowered to take these decisions and…' 'Even after the implementation of the twenty-sixth or was it twenty seventh constitutional amendment.' 'Hey shut up, do not, I repeat, do not turn the page.' 'I am too down the ladder - I can't even get a view of the book, leave alone be able to turn a page, for Pete's sake!' 'That I knew, but you know as well as I, that it's precisely the people who are way down the ladder with no knowledge of the location of the book who make these unconscionable forays into the realm of…of…' 'Theatre?' 'It's not theatre, not make believe, it's the realm of muscle.' 'Well, theatre is not always make believe – I mean, there are some plays based on true events of the past…' 'Lord, you are stupid. This is not theatre., let me see if I can come up with a description that someone like you can relate to– it's more like….like…reality television, it's all real time and so the historical play has yet to be written.' 'Reality television as in our state run television that the taxpayers'…..' 'Oh that brings me back to what I began by saying – the Tarar who made these remarks in the assembly was not the bearded man with a piercing voice but the Law Minister and for your information they are not related.' 'I know that, the Law Minister reckons he is on reality television, but the Information Tarar knows he is on a recorded programme.' 'That's because the former writes his own script, while the latter follows the script that is given to him.' 'Hmmmm.' 'Please for your sake and mine let that pass, don't dissect it or…' 'Gotcha, one question: do you think the current dispensation is here to stay?' 'That's the plan my friend – and…and the answer will only be revealed when….when…' 'Humpty Dumpty falls on the ground.' 'A nursery rhyme not quoted much, as in our realm the Humpty Dumptys are easily put together again.' 'Don't be facetious.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
