JournalismPakistan.com
October 22, 2021

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has again taken serious notice of intimidation, threats, and abusive language against journalist and presenter Asma Sherazi by the special assistant and prime minister's spokesperson Shahbaz Gill.

Gill leveled unfounded, uncalled-for, and unethical allegations against the female journalist in a press conference at PID Islamabad.

In a joint statement, President PFUJ Sahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi warned of severe consequences of the tirade against Asma Sherazi. They said that such behavior of the prime minister's official spokesperson reflects the training and mental capacity of a cabinet member who is supposed to improve media-government relations instead of widening the gulf between them.

"Hurling threats, using abusive and uncalled-for language, and igniting religious sentiments against a journalist and that too against a female will not improve the performance of the government," they reminded.

PFUJ leadership, while extending full support to Asma Sherazi, said that she, in her piece in BBC Urdu, had not mentioned any name. Instead, she warned of "worsening economic crisis, price hike and people's difficulties in meeting the expense of life," they said.

Both the leaders said, "It is a matter of serious concern that Mr. Shahbaz Gill is in the habit of maligning journalists in controversies, dictating media personalities, and passing serious threats in press conferences, talk shows and indulging in online attacks and trolling, which seems the official policy of PTI government."

They asked that when Asma Sherazi had not mentioned the name of the first lady, then "why official spokesperson of the Prime Minister is repeatedly saying her name online and held a press conference on a nonexistent issue?"  

They urged the prime minister to investigate the conduct of  Shahbaz Gill and some other leaders. They are unwontedly mentioning the name of the first lady, which gives the impression of some hidden agenda and ulterior motives of these elements in the federal cabinet. "We will not allow such acts against the journalist community, particularly against a female journalist and media workers."