Atta Tarar reacts strongly to Noreen Niazi’s statement, hinting at action

Lahore: In this regard, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has stated that some political statements made in recent days could have a negative impact on national interest and the state’s position; thus, the government is very serious about such issues. He explained that any statement which concerns the national interest will be looked at under the law.

Atta Tarar criticised the statement issued by Noreen Niazi but did not elaborate on the specific issues and said there has been concern and reaction at the public level over such statements. According to him, it is the responsibility of every political leader to adopt a responsible approach on sensitive issues of Pakistan.

While political differences of opinion are inevitable in a democracy, however, such narratives should not be created that can be used against Pakistan by foreign media, the Federal Information Minister said. He stated state interests and national security must be paramount and political debate must not be allowed to get in the way.

In his address, he also cast doubt on the performance of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, asserting that instead of addressing issues of the public, political confrontation is being preferred. He said that practical action and good governance are what people need.

Atta Tarar reiterated his position on the reserved seats for the refugees in Kashmir, saying that this is a symbol of the representation of the Kashmiri people, and the PML-N will continue playing its part to safeguard them. He said that no compromise will be made on the constitutional rights of Kashmiri refugees.

‘The length of the new line needs to be determined by the needs of the public rather than conflicting political interests,’ the Federal Information Minister said, stressing that the government’s priority is on public welfare, economic stability and national unity. He appealed to political parties “to refrain from making statements that may impact the country’s prestige and national interest, irrespective of their differences.