Information Minister Tarar slams ‘malicious campaign’ against Pakistan’s peace role
Information Minister Ata Tarar speaks at a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, Oct 9, 2025. SCREENGRAB/ File
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Thursday criticised what he described as a “negative propaganda and campaign” aimed at discrediting Pakistan’s role in promoting sustainable peace in the region, saying such efforts reflected the frustration of those opposed to peace.
In a statement posted on X, the minister said the campaign had been launched with “malicious intent”.
“The objective of this is to create deliberate confusion and misinformation, quoting unnamed sources and officials. This unprofessional intent to discredit Pakistan’s role for sustainable peace in the region speaks of the frustration of those who are weary of peace,” Tarar said.
For the past few days, a coordinated negative information campaign is being being observed , initiated from outside Pakistan, with malicious intent. The objective of this is to create deliberate confusion and misinformation, quoting unnamed sources and officials. This…
The minister said that credible domestic media outlets and multiple fact-checking forums had already exposed the propaganda.
“We understand quite clearly that behind such stories are certain elements, mainly the detractors of peace, who are unable to come to terms with Pakistan's role for peace in the region as well as Pakistan’s continued and successful fight against foreign-sponsored and abetted terrorism,” the statement said.
Tarar said that the elimination of terrorism, resolution of disputes and prevalence of peace perhaps did not suit those behind the campaign.
However, he added that Pakistan and its “responsible media” would continue to expose what he termed the “nefarious designs” behind the coordinated effort.
Read: Pakistan rejects report on Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase as 'misleading'
“The effort and role of Pakistani media and influencers to unmask this malicious campaign is most commendable,” the statement added.
Although the minister did not specifically refer to any report, CBS News earlier this week published a story alleging that Pakistan, despite presenting itself as a diplomatic conduit between Iran and the United States, had “quietly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park on its airfields, potentially shielding them from American airstrikes”.
The report had cited unnamed US officials who were said to be in the know of the matter.
The Foreign Office, however, categorically rejected the report, describing it as “misleading and sensationalised” and stating that “such speculative narratives appear aimed at undermining ongoing efforts for regional stability and peace.”
“The Iranian aircraft currently parked in Pakistan arrived during the ceasefire period and bears no connection whatsoever to any military contingency or preservation arrangement,” the Foreign Office had said.
“Some aircraft and support personnel remained temporarily in Pakistan in anticipation of subsequent rounds of engagement,” it added.
The ministry termed any assertion suggesting otherwise as “speculative, misleading, and entirely detached from the factual context”.
Also Read: FO reaffirms commitment to dialogue, rejects ‘misleading’ int'l media reports on regional tensions
In recent months, Pakistan drew international attention for its involvement in mediation efforts between Iran and the US amid the Middle East crisis.
Last month, Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran on April 8, followed by critical talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from both countries on April 11 and 12.
However, neither side was able to reach an agreement to bring the war to an end.
Since then, the two warring sides have been exchanging formulas and counter-formulas to reach a middle ground to resume a second round of direct talks to end the conflict that has already disrupted global energy supplies and daily lives across the region.