JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 18, 2022 | Cherie Conela
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Female YouTuber Zunaira Mahum has been criticized for promoting a sweet drink 'Jam-e-Shirin' during an exclusive interview of a young couple Dua Zehra and Zaheer. They made news headlines due to love marriage.
Anchor Mahum said, "the weather is too hot ...Dua has made sweet drinks for us. A glass for herself and a glass for me," asking, "Why no glass was made for Zaheer?" Dua responds, "I have already made Zaheer some, and he drank it earlier."
After a while, the anchor again starts talking about drinks. "Dua, you used to give me a cold drink; now it's "Jam-e-Shirin. Tell me, what is your favorite drink?"
Dua responded that she liked "Jam-e-Shirin very much."
Thus, the repeated references to Jam-e-Shirin during the interview gave the impression that the sweet drink company sponsored the YouTube show.
"It seems that not only this interview but also the wedding was sponsored by Jam e Shirin," a social media user commented. Some journalists also criticized the uncalled for references.
In response to the criticism and boycott campaign on Dua Zehra and Zaheer's interview, Qarshi, the company which produces Jam-e-Shirin expressed complete disassociation with the video interview.
The company's Facebook page stated: "Jam-e-Shirin is an internationally recognized, much-loved Pakistani brand available since over 40 years, with about 60 people out of 100 using it regularly in Pakistan. We have always conducted our media communications with dignity, upholding high moral standards. We were surprised at the prominent visibility of our brand during an interview on social media. We are investigating the issue and reassure our loyal consumers that we have nothing to do with the interview as its producers did not take permission for displaying and mentioning our product. Appropriate action will be taken in this regard."
July 08, 2025: As Pakistani authorities move to block YouTube channels of journalists, censorship tightens. Yet, social media has emerged as a defiant force, keeping the spirit of free speech alive despite increasing state control.
July 08, 2025: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has acquitted a murder accused, ruling that confessions made to the media while in police custody are inadmissible. Justice Athar Minallah emphasized due process and transparency in legal proceedings.
July 08, 2025: The Pakistan government has approached a court seeking the removal of several YouTube channels operated by prominent journalists, accusing them of spreading false information and provoking unrest against state institutions.
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.