DEPUTY Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar delivered a candid briefing to the diplomatic corps on Wednesday, addressing the recent protest by PTI in the capital. His remarks were a crucial response to the confusion and misinformation surrounding the event, offering clarity on the govt’s position and assuring foreign diplomats of their safety.
Recent events have been clouded by circulating content on social media which included reports suggesting that protesters were fired upon by law enforcement agencies. Such unverified claims only fuelled confusion and misperception, tarnishing the country’s image. In a world increasingly shaped by social media narratives, it was vital for the government to present an accurate account of what transpired and counter the misleading information that had gained traction online. This was not just about national interest but also about preserving the country’s reputation abroad. Ishaq Dar, known for his straightforwardness, did just that. In his remarks, he emphasized that while protests are a constitutional right, they must come with the responsibility to ensure peace and security for all, especially in sensitive areas like the Red Zone. The government’s priority, as Dar pointed out, has always been to safeguard this area, which houses key federal institutions and, most crucially, the Diplomatic Enclave. Indeed, it is the responsibility of the state to protect foreign diplomats and ensure their safety, particularly when protests can potentially spiral into violence. The strategic deployment of police, Rangers and the army demonstrated that the government was taking every measure to prevent harm to both Pakistani people and foreign nationals. We believe, Ishaq Dar’s briefing would have gone a long way in assuaging the concerns of diplomats who might have been unsettled by certain content circulating on social media. However, the broader lesson from this situation is the need for more effective checks on social media content. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, it is essential that we exercise greater caution in consuming and disseminating content online. Propaganda, fuelled by misinformation, can harm not just the reputation of a country but also its diplomatic ties. As citizens, as well as public figures, we all bear responsibility in ensuring that the truth is not obscured by baseless rumours.
