As of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting in Pakistan is Mr. Attaullah Tarar. He assumed this গুরুত্বপূর্ণ (important) role on March 11, 2024, as part of the cabinet led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Mr. Tarar is also currently serving as the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, a portfolio he took on from May 17, 2024. Furthermore, he has been a Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan since February 2024, representing the NA-127 Lahore-XI constituency.
Born on April 19, 1986, Attaullah Tarar has a notable political background. He belongs to the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) party, where he also holds the position of Deputy Secretary-General. He is the grandson of former Pakistani President Muhammad Rafiq Tarar. Before his current federal roles, Mr. Tarar served in various capacities, including as the Spokesperson for the Government of Punjab and the Home Minister in the short-lived cabinet of Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz in 2022. He also served as a Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Interior and Legal Affairs with the status of a Federal Minister.
In his current role as the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar holds a crucial position within the Pakistani government. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) is a cabinet-level ministry responsible for disseminating government information to the public through various media channels. The ministry also plays a significant role in shaping the narrative around government policies and countering negative propaganda both domestically and internationally.
Key responsibilities of the Minister and the Ministry include:
- Disseminating Government Information: Ensuring timely and accurate release of official information, media galleries, public domain content, and non-classified government data to the public.
- Policy Formulation and Implementation: Developing and enforcing policies, laws, rules, and regulations related to print and electronic media, as well as news agencies.
- Media Regulation: Overseeing bodies like the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to maintain standards in the electronic media.
- Promoting National Image: Projecting Pakistan’s “soft, progressive, and democratic image” within the country and abroad.
- Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Providing professional support to other ministries and federal organizations for effective communication of their policies and programs.
- Managing State Media: Providing policy guidelines to state-owned media outlets such as the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Pakistan) and the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV).
- Liaison with Media: Acting as a bridge between the government, the media, and the people.
- Countering Negative Propaganda: Identifying and addressing negative narratives against the state in collaboration with relevant ministries and departments.
- Facilitating Media: Assisting both domestic and foreign journalists in their professional duties.
The Ministry also oversees several attached departments, autonomous, and semi-autonomous bodies, including:
- Press Information Department (PID): The principal department for disseminating government information.
- Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC): Radio Pakistan, providing nationwide broadcasting services.
- Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV): The state television network.
- Associated Press of Pakistan (APP): The national news agency.
- Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA): The regulatory body for electronic media.
- Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company Ltd.: A company with historical roots in protecting artists’ rights and producing recordings.
- Press Council of Pakistan: An autonomous body that monitors media ethics and standards.
- Information Service Academy: Likely involved in training professionals in information-related fields.
- Nazriya Pakistan Council Trust: An organization focused on promoting the ideology of Pakistan.
In recent news, Mr. Tarar has been vocal on critical national issues. For instance, he recently held an emergency press conference, citing “credible intelligence” about a potential military action by India in the wake of a terror attack in Pahalgam. He stated that any act of aggression would be met with a decisive response from Pakistan.
Attaullah Tarar’s role as the Information Minister is pivotal in shaping public discourse, managing the flow of information, and representing the government’s stance on various national and international matters. His responsibilities require him to navigate the complex media landscape and ensure effective communication between the state and its citizens, as well as the global community.
