On February 18, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Law and Justice, emphasised the need for verified and accurate reporting, stating that journalism carried a significant responsibility and that fact-checking was essential. He made the remarks while referring to recent confusion arising from unverified claims regarding the medical condition of incarcerated Imran Khan.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected cabinet of the Press Association of the Supreme Court at the Supreme Court building, the minister pointed to speculation over claims that 85 per cent of Imran Khan’s eyesight had been lost. He urged journalists to verify information before publication, noting that while the constitution protected freedom of expression, it also imposed reasonable restrictions.

During the ceremony, the minister administered the oath to Imran Waseem and his cabinet for a one-year term. Haroonur Rashid, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, and senior Ahsan Bhoon of the Pakistan Bar Council also attended. The minister acknowledged the challenges faced by reporters covering court proceedings and noted that their work enabled the public, as well as lawyers, to remain informed while judgments took time to appear in official digests.

The minister said that cases registered against journalists were a matter of concern and stated that he would speak to the Islamabad prosecutor general regarding a pending drug-related allegation against a reporter. In a ceremony in Islamabad, he reiterated that Supreme Court reporters performed an essential role in conveying judicial developments accurately and promptly.