Information minister says propaganda aimed at undermining Pakistan’s efforts for regional stability
Information Minister Ata Tarar speaks at a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, October 9, 2025. SCREENGRAB/ File
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Thursday criticized 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 released on X, the minister said the campaign had been launched with “malicious intent”.
“The aim of this is to create deliberate confusion and misinformation, citing unnamed sources and officials. This unprofessional intention to discredit Pakistan’s role for sustainable peace in the region speaks to the frustration of those who are tired of peace,” Tarar said.
In the last few days, a coordinated negative information campaign has been observed, initiated outside Pakistan, with malicious intent. The purpose of this is to create deliberate confusion and misinformation by citing unnamed sources and officials. This…
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) 14 May 2026
The minister said credible domestic media and several fact-checking forums had already exposed the propaganda.
“We quite clearly understand that behind such stories there are certain elements, mainly peace advocates, 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 encouraged terrorism,” the statement said.
Tarar said that eliminating terrorism, resolving disputes and spreading peace might not suit those behind the campaign.
However, he added that Pakistan and its “responsible media” would continue to expose what he called the “malicious designs” behind the coordinated effort.
Read: Pakistan rejects report of Iranian planes at Nur Khan Airbase as ‘misleading’
“The efforts and role of the Pakistani media and influencers in exposing this malicious campaign is highly commendable,” the statement added.
Although the minister did not specifically refer to any report, CBS News earlier this week published a story claiming that Pakistan, despite presenting itself as a diplomatic conduit between Iran and the US, had “quietly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park at its airfields, potentially shielding them from US airstrikes”.
The report had quoted unnamed US officials said to be familiar with the matter.
However, the State Department categorically rejected the report, describing it as “misleading and sensational” and stating that “such speculative narratives appear to be aimed at undermining ongoing efforts for regional stability and peace.”
“The Iranian aircraft currently parked in Pakistan arrived during the ceasefire period and has no connection whatsoever with any military readiness or preservation arrangement,” the State Department said.
“Some aircraft and support personnel remained temporarily in Pakistan in anticipation of subsequent rounds of engagement,” it added.
The ministry termed any claim suggesting otherwise as “speculative, misleading and completely divorced from the factual context”.
Also read: FO reaffirms commitment to dialogue, rejects ‘misleading’ international media reports on regional tensions
In recent months, Pakistan has attracted international attention for its involvement in mediation efforts between Iran and the United States 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 involving high-level delegations from both countries on April 11 and 12.
However, neither side was able to reach an agreement to end the war.
Since then, the two warring sides have exchanged 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 life across the region.
