Proof of rape? Here's what two journalists say

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 2 January 2020

A debate has erupted among journalists regarding the rape allegations made by filmmaker Jamshed Mehmood against Dawn's CEO. Former editors have publicly clashed over the demands for proof and the state of journalism in Pakistan.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — It seems that the rape allegations by filmmaker Jamshed Mehmood (pictured) against Dawn CEO Hameed Haroon are embroiling journalists who have had an association with the organization. And tempers are fraying.

Jahanzeb Hussain, a former editor of Prism at Dawn.com who backed Jami, hit back at those calling for proof of rape. In a tweet, he said: “Jami needs to provide proof that he was raped. But Dawn's CEO is not required to provide proof that Jami is being 'backed by the establishment.' That this basic blind spot is being missed by all those lauding HH's statement just shows the poor state of Pakistani journalism.”

The reply came from Muhammad Ziauddin, a former resident editor of Dawn. He rather angrily maintained: “Evidence? Do you recognize any among the crowd that demonstrate at the Dawn office frequently demanding lynching of Hamid and Zafar? None among them perhaps has ever held a copy of Dawn in his hands.”

Photo: YouTube

KEY POINTS:

• Jamshed Mehmood accuses Hameed Haroon of rape.
• Journalist Jahanzeb Hussain challenges demands for proof of rape.
• Muhammad Ziauddin argues against the credibility of demonstrators.
• The dispute reveals tensions within the media landscape in Pakistan.
• Critics highlight the broader issues of media ethics and accountability.