Tarar Calls for Ethical Oversight of TikTok Politics

ISLAMABAD (News Desk): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday stressed the need to promote creativity and bring TikTok-driven politics and journalism under a clear ethical and regulatory framework, warning that without discipline and responsibility society cannot progress.

Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the Pakistan Federal Union of Columnists and Creators (PFUC) after administering the oath to its newly elected office-bearers, the minister said bizarre and sensational acts are often staged merely to attract likes on TikTok, while meaningful government initiatives such as the distribution of one million laptops and other public welfare programs receive little attention.

He emphasized that creative and responsible content plays a vital role in raising public awareness, particularly in a society facing multiple challenges. Referring to the revival of the health card scheme—first introduced by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 2012—Tarar lamented that such initiatives are overshadowed by viral but superficial political content on social media.

The minister acknowledged the importance of dissent in a democratic society, saying its absence renders a community lifeless. As a minister, he said, he welcomes criticism and believes narrative battles should be addressed through collaboration, dialogue, and the promotion of creativity.

Sharing his political journey, Tarar recalled his involvement in student politics, activism, bureaucracy, and law, saying these phases helped him understand the system. He noted that after years of grassroots activism and a decade as deputy secretary in the chief minister’s secretariat, he entered electoral politics, stressing that he was neither a parachuter nor from a political dynasty. “I bear criticism, including that directed at PML-N, for the sake of improvement,” he added.

Recalling the formative role of print media, the minister said newspapers once operated under strict editorial oversight and ethical codes. Senior journalists mentored young reporters and helped shape future generations. He paid tribute to veteran journalists Irfan Siddiqui and Khawaja Farrukh Saeed for their lasting contributions to journalism.

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Stressing the urgency of regulating social media, Tarar said the time had come to “nip the evil in the bud.” He warned that absconders would be brought back and content creators crossing red lines would be held accountable under the law. Those promoting extremism, he added, cannot be allowed to misuse microphones and cameras with impunity.

He said today’s politicians display far greater tolerance for dissent than in the 1990s, noting that political maturity later emerged through the Charter of Democracy signed by PML-N and PPP. However, he alleged that a third force later divided society and fueled hatred and extremism. “Dialogue remains the only solution, and we continue to advocate talks to resolve issues,” he said.

Referring to past political conduct, Tarar said PML-N suspended its election campaign when PTI founder Imran Khan was injured, and party leaders visited him to inquire about his health. He added that Nawaz Sharif later offered cooperation at Bani Gala after the 2013 elections, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended dialogue offers, but both were rejected.

Without naming PTI, Tarar alleged that a political party stood against national integrity by failing to condemn TTP terrorism. He said it was alarming that despite the TTP targeting nearly all political parties—except one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—that party refrains from condemnation, raising questions about its stance.

Criticizing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Afridi, Tarar said that despite his claims, he has neither authored nor produced any research work. He said Irfan Siddiqui’s writings, by contrast, continue to promote awareness and intellectual discourse.

The minister said that during PTI’s tenure, advertising rates for print and electronic media were reduced, leaving payments stalled. He said that during his first week in office, he cleared Rs1.5 billion in pending advertisement dues and urged APNS and PBA to ensure that media workers also receive their outstanding salaries.

He observed that society smoothly transitioned from print to electronic media as many newspaper groups launched television channels. He added that regulation involves multiple stakeholders, including the Information, IT, and Interior ministries, and questioned whether the Information Ministry—responsible for promoting journalism—should also serve as the regulator, or whether regulation should fall under the Interior Ministry.

Referring to regional affairs, Tarar said the Pakistan Armed Forces inflicted defeat on India last May, yet India failed to grasp the reality of what transpired.

He said he hails from the city of Maulana Zafar Ali Khan, about whom Quaid-e-Azam once remarked that if he had a few more companions like him, another revolution could have been achieved.

The minister announced the handover of his Lahore camp office to the PFUC and invited senior journalist Sohail Warraich to inaugurate it.