Information Minister Vows Legal Action Against Social Media Attacks on Martyred Soldiers
On March 17, Information Minister Atta Ullah Tarar strongly denounced a social media campaign targeting soldiers who were martyred in a terrorist attack in North Waziristan on March 16. Calling the campaign “insulting,” Tarar vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
During a press conference in Lahore, Tarar emphasized the immeasurable sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army, police, and civilians in the fight against terrorism. He stressed the importance of national unity and security, stating that “certain red lines should not be crossed.” Minister Tarar confirmed legal action would be taken to identify and prosecute those behind the campaign. He further noted that multiple social media accounts involved appear to be operating from outside Pakistan, with a network of followers within the country.
“Those who mock the sacrifices of the martyrs do not deserve any concession. Criticize politics a hundred times but don’t do this against martyrs,” he urged.
The information minister reiterated that the government pays homage to the sacrifices made by the martyrs in the Waziristan incident.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, speaking to the media in Sialkot on March 17, also condemned a purported social media campaign against martyred soldiers while claiming that the campaign being run by “a political party” was “anti-state.”
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have strongly refuted allegations made by federal ministers that the party is behind a social media campaign targeting martyrs. Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser emphasized his party’s respect for the sacrifices of soldiers defending Pakistan’s borders.
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