The Federal Minister for Law, Azam Nazeer Tarar, on Tuesday said that freedom of expression in Pakistan is protected under Article 19 of the Constitution; however, it is also associated with clear legal limits and responsibilities.
The federal ministers said that freedom of expression does not mean attacking Pakistan’s integrity, national security or defense, or harming relations with friendly countries. They stressed that every citizen must remain within the ambit of the Constitution and the law while exercising the right to freedom of expression.
They said that in the name of freedom of expression, the morality, law and order and social harmony of the nation are not allowed. The Federal Minister for Information clarified that there is no scope for any kind of propaganda against Pakistan’s reputation, state and armed forces at the local and international levels.
It should be recalled that two years ago, the DG ISPR had presented the same position, saying that any attempt to attack or antagonize Pakistan’s security and defense by hiding behind freedom of expression is unacceptable. The DG ISPR emphasized that freedom of expression is a right that must be exercised responsibly, and it cannot be used against the state or the armed forces under any circumstances.
The federal ministers appealed to the public and the media to use the right to freedom of expression in a positive and constructive manner, so that national interest, security and national unity are not affected. They said that the government is taking steps at all levels to ensure that national security and rule of law are maintained along with freedom of expression.
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