Dawn journalist terms ministry's sectarian profiling unfortunate

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 15 February 2019

Baqir Sajjad from Dawn expressed concern over the federal interior ministry's sectarian profiling. He stated that this would exacerbate divisions within the country.

Summary

ISLAMABAD - Baqir Sajjad, a correspondent of Dawn, on Friday regretted a circular of the federal interior ministry singling out a sect for allegedly spreading disinformation against the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

In a tweet, Sajjad said: “Unfortunate to single out one sect for being responsible for online protest against visit of Muhammad bin Salman. Such sectarian profiling would only serve to further sectarian divisions in the country.”

Along with his tweet is a snap of the notification with the subject line – social media campaign against visit of VVIP’s delegation.

Unfortunate to single out one sect for being responsible for online protest against visit of Muhammad bin Salman. Such sectarian profiling would only serve to further sectarian divisions in the country. pic.twitter.com/76U71CBirB

— Baqir Sajjad (@baqirsajjad) February 15, 2019

However, Ahmad Noorani, a journalist with The News, doubted the veracity of the letter. He asked if Baqir had checked out with the interior ministry.

Prime Minister Imran Khan is the minister in charge of the interior ministry.

KEY POINTS:

• Baqir Sajjad criticized sectarian profiling by the interior ministry.
• The ministry's circular targeted a specific sect related to online protests.
• Sajjad emphasized the negative impact on sectarian harmony.
• Ahmad Noorani questioned the authenticity of the ministry's letter.
• Prime Minister Imran Khan oversees the interior ministry.