JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 04, 2012 | Qazi Asif
Join our WhatsApp channel
KARACHI: The United States has plenty of respect for Pakistan’s media and journalists. While on an extended work trip to the US, I had the opportunity to meet many journalists there and the majority of them were full of praise for their Pakistani counterparts.
There were some reservations too about the role of a section of Pakistan’s media perceived as supporting extremism and militant elements.
To get a better perspective of how the media and journalists in the US view their Pakistani counterparts and their role in disseminating information, I sought the opinion of Karen DeYoung, Associate Editor and Senior National Security Correspondent for The Washington Post.
DeYoung has been journalist with The Washington Post since 1975 and has held numerous leadership positions at the paper. She also has experience of reporting from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Lauding the efforts of the Pakistani media, she said: “I love the Pakistani media. American journalists say Pakistani journalists are good sources for the US media and are hard workers.”
She did have one complaint though. “American journalists are not allowed to go to Balochistan. The Pakistani government also does not allow us access to Peshawar and Lahore,” she said.
During our discussion DeYoung noted even though the US government had supported military governments in Pakistan in the past as dictated by prevailing government policy, American media had remained divided on the issue.
News and editorial teams also had totally opposing viewpoints on the issue as most newsrooms were of the opinion that army dictators should not be supported, but editorial sections always managed to find support for them.
“We did not agree to support Gen Zia and showed lack of foresight in supporting other military dictators in Pakistan as well. This was also the case when our editorial section decided it prudent to support Gen Zia and Gen Pervez Musharraf.”
DeYoung said there also existed an ongoing debate about the legal justification of drone strikes in Pakistan.
“There has been a long disagreement over drone strikes, which is difficult to explain to the public. The Pentagon says it is not involved. The CIA takes a public position that the program doesn’t exist. The Pakistani government says that the US seeks permission for drone attacks from them. Pakistan says the agreement between the countries has not been upheld by the US but the US claims otherwise. There has to be responsible clarity on the issue.”
(The writer is a journalist and electronic media trainer associated with Waqt TV)
May 15, 2025: Dawn faces backlash for publishing ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa's op-ed, accused of undermining democracy and aiding election rigging. Politicians and journalists condemn the move.
May 12, 2025: PFUJ pays tribute to journalists flogged under General Zia’s martial law in 1978, vowing to resist modern censorship and uphold press freedom in Pakistan.
May 09, 2025: In a bizarre media meltdown, Indian TV channels declared war on Pakistan, claimed imaginary victories and pushed fake narratives—leaving even Indian viewers stunned and apologetic.
May 05, 2025: India has banned prominent Pakistani journalist Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel, expanding its crackdown on 16 other Pakistani media outlets. The move follows accusations of "false narratives" against India.
May 03, 2025: Pakistan's press freedom under severe threat as PFUJ condemns repressive laws and systematic journalist harassment on World Press Freedom Day. Union reports journalist killings, financial targeting, and government failure to implement safety measures.
May 02, 2025: Dawn has strongly denied publishing any report claiming that TTP stole a PAF F-16 fighter jet, labeling the viral screenshot as fake and digitally manipulated.
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
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.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?