Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has issued a strong condemnation of what he termed a deliberate and malicious fake news campaign aimed at linking Pakistan to the tragic Bondi Junction attack in Sydney, Australia.
Minister Tarar's Forceful Rejection
In a statement released on Wednesday, Minister Tarar categorically rejected the baseless allegations circulating on various platforms, particularly within segments of the Indian media and political circles. He emphasized that Pakistan had no connection whatsoever to the horrific incident that took place in Sydney's Bondi Junction area.
The minister highlighted that the swift identification of the attacker as a 40-year-old man from Queensland by Australian authorities should have put an end to the speculative and harmful narratives. Despite this clear information, he noted, certain entities continued to propagate falsehoods for their own vested interests.
Demand for Apologies and Condemnation of Motives
Atta Tarar did not mince words in calling out the sources of this disinformation. He stated that the Indian media outlets and politicians responsible for spreading the false story must issue immediate and unconditional apologies. He described their actions as a shameful attempt to tarnish Pakistan's image on the international stage.
"This is not journalism; it is a planned propaganda drive," Tarar asserted. He accused these elements of exploiting a human tragedy to further an anti-Pakistan agenda, a move he called morally reprehensible and professionally unethical.
The Information Minister reiterated Pakistan's consistent and principled stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He pointed out that Pakistan itself has been a primary victim of terrorism for decades and remains firmly committed to global peace and security.
Broader Implications and a Call for Responsibility
This incident, according to Tarar, underscores the dangerous real-world consequences of irresponsible reporting and politically motivated fake news. In an era where information spreads rapidly across borders, such falsehoods can exacerbate tensions and undermine diplomatic relations.
Tarar's statement serves as a formal demand for accountability from those who launched the false campaign. It also reinforces the government's position that it will actively challenge and rebut any attempts to defame the country through misinformation.
The minister concluded by expressing Pakistan's solidarity with the people and government of Australia and condolences to the victims of the Bondi Junction attack. He stressed that the focus should remain on the victims and the ongoing investigation by Australian law enforcement, not on fabricated stories designed to sow discord.
