21/12/2025
**When Overseas Rhetoric Meets Accountability**
The recent announcement by Kaamran Malik to take action against journalists Imran Riaz Khan and Sabir Shakir has reignited an important national debate: Where should the line be drawn between freedom of expression and responsibility toward state institutions?
In recent years, public gatherings in the United Kingdom have become popular venues for political speeches aimed at overseas Pakistanis. While political debate is a healthy sign of democratic engagement, Malik argues that these platforms are increasingly being used to project narratives that are openly critical of the Pakistan Army and the sitting Prime Minister, often without accountability.
The concern raised is not merely about criticism—after all, criticism is a cornerstone of journalism—but about context, intent, and impact. When influential voices speak abroad, their words resonate beyond political rallies and social media clips. They shape international perceptions of Pakistan, sometimes reinforcing negative stereotypes or political instability.
Kaamran Malik’s stance suggests that freedom of speech does not exist in isolation from responsibility. Journalists, especially those with large followings, must ensure that their commentary remains factual, measured, and lawful, regardless of geography.
This issue is not about silencing dissent but about setting standards. If criticism is grounded in evidence and expressed constructively, it strengthens democracy. If it turns into repetitive rhetoric that undermines national institutions on foreign soil, questions of accountability are inevitable.
As this matter unfolds, it will test Pakistan’s ability to balance democratic freedoms with national responsibility—both at home and abroad.
