Information Minister Tarar Calls for Social Media Regulation, Ethical Framework for TikTok Politics
Islamabad: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday stressed the importance of fostering creativity and establishing a clear ethical and regulatory framework for social media, including TikTok-driven politics and journalism. Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the Pakistan Federal Union of Columnists and Creators (PFUC), he warned that without such measures, society cannot progress.
After administering the oath to newly elected office-bearers, Tarar said many bizarre acts are staged online simply to garner likes, while significant government initiatives—such as the distribution of one million laptops and the revival of the health card scheme—receive little attention. He emphasized that promoting creative content helps raise awareness in a society facing multiple challenges.
The minister acknowledged that dissent is essential in society, warning that its absence renders communities lifeless. Drawing on his own journey—from student politics, activism, bureaucracy, and law to electoral politics—he highlighted the importance of understanding the system and accepting criticism, including that directed at his party, PML-N, for the sake of improvement.
Tarar recalled the pivotal role print media once played in shaping journalists, politicians, and society at large. Newspapers operated under strict ethical codes and editorial oversight, with senior journalists mentoring younger generations. He cited renowned journalists Irfan Siddiqui and Khawaja Farrukh Saeed as examples of professionals who left a lasting impact.
Highlighting the need for social media regulation, he warned that those absconding would be brought back and creators crossing legal lines would face accountability. Extremist content, he added, cannot be broadcast without consequence.
Tarar criticized the intolerance of the 1990s, contrasting it with today’s politicians’ tolerance for dissent. He lamented the emergence of forces that divide society and fuel hatred, urging dialogue as the only solution to national issues. He accused PTI of standing against national integrity, pointing out its failure to condemn TTP attacks, while criticizing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister for lacking any research or publications of note.
He also highlighted the government’s support for media, clearing Rs1.5 billion in pending advertisement payments during his first week, and urged media associations to ensure staff salaries are also settled. Tarar underscored the need for multi-stakeholder regulation, involving the Information, IT, and Interior ministries, to properly oversee media platforms transitioning from print to electronic and digital formats.
In closing, Tarar celebrated the Pakistan Armed Forces’ victory over India last May, referenced the legacy of Maulana Zafar Ali Khan, and announced the handover of his Lahore camp office to PFUC, inviting senior journalist Sohail Warraich to inaugurate it.
