Negative propaganda against defence institutions is condemnable: Interior minister

ISLAMABAD: While terming the attack on journalists as highly condemnable, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan stressed on the need to avoid undue criticism against defence institutions, Radio Pakistan reported.

Taking notice of the undue criticism against defence institutions, the interior minister said negative propaganda against state institutions provides enemies a chance to exploit the situation.

The attack on Mir is a tragic incident, not only for his family but also for the whole nation, said Nisar.

He further said that the way incident was used to malign the national institutions without any evidence is a matter of grave concern.

Recognising the valor and sacrifices made by the defence institutions, Nisar said officers and jawans of our defence institutions are rendering great sacrifices for the nation and therefore the negative propaganda against the institution is condemnable.

The minister stated that there was no justification for allegations when the government has already set up a commission consisting of three senior Judges of the Supreme Court to inquire into the matter.

Reference against Geo

The Ministry of Defence approved and sent on Tuesday a reference to Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) regarding Geo TV’s allegations against the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Express News reported.

The defence secretary Lt-Gen (retd) Asif Yasin Malik had sent a reference to defence minister Khwaja Asif for approval, who then approved the reference.

The reference alleges that Geo TV has violated the code of conduct set by Pemra.

No one should be blame before inquiry is completed: Altaf

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain while condemning the attack on journalist Hamid Mir, said nothing should be done to harm the dignity of institutions responsible for national security.

It is inadvisable to blame any institution or individual before the three member judicial commission set up by the Prime Minister completes its investigation, said Altaf.

MQM chief said at a time when Pakistan is facing internal and external threats and grave challenges, it would not be right to blame institutions responsible for national security in these difficult times.