On March 10, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar called for restraint from media and online commentators when covering Pakistan’s foreign policy, particularly in light of increased tensions in the Middle East. During a press conference in Islamabad, which also featured Information Minister Ataullah Tarar and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the minister highlighted the sensitivities surrounding ongoing regional conflicts, including US-Iran-Israel engagement and border issues with Afghanistan.

Azam emphasized Pakistan’s significant diplomatic efforts to mitigate these regional conflicts and shared that they had received diplomatic queries about whether media commentary was the official state stance. He pointed out that such commentaries could negatively affect Pakistan’s diplomatic position.

The Law Minister highlighted the limits carried in Article 19 of the Constitution. He specifically advised against speculative discussions regarding Pakistan’s stance with key players in the Middle East, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Information Minister Ataullah Tarar also echoed the need for caution. “Negative vlogs about the relations between two countries—created merely for views—can be damaging. Spreading sensationalism can harm the state’s policy,” he said, adding that there was a need for “responsible journalism.”