JournalismPakistan.com | Published July 11, 2016
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD - Geo Television Monday responded to criticism after leaked footage of a small distraught boy whose mother died was seen being pressed by a reporter to talk to her on the phone, went viral on social media.
Geo said on its website geo.tv the reporter involved was an intern who tried to pacify the boy consistently. "We feel that during this positive effort she went overboard due to her lack of experience and training and used words and gestures which should have been replaced by better ones."
The website said that Geo editorial committee had conducted a detailed investigation into the matter. It said: "an anonymous post showcasing leaked footage of an internee reporter's interview with a child at a children's home claims that a Geo reporter tried to make the child cry and was abusive in the name of trying to benefit from the tragedy of his deceased mother.
Geo further said in its clarification that the newsroom received a tip that a child had been brought to Edhi home and needed help locating his mother. "With that intention, the package was assigned."
The report featuring the intern was aired on May 31 in the midnight bulletin. "The package ran only once and its duration was less than two minutes, and hardly few seconds were aired from the leaked footage.
"We also confirmed from original footage, Cameramen and Video Editor as well as staff at the children center that the child was already distraught and our intern reporter tried to pacify him consistently.
"The internship expired naturally and the said internee is no longer associated with Geo News," it was clarified.
"Geo editorial committee has recommended a further review of the internship program to ensure Geo Asool are implemented properly."
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 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
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.