Journalism Pakistan
Journalism Pakistan
PFUJ to IHC: PECA Law must be suspended to protect journalismHum News leads the way: First Pakistani channel to embrace AI toolsEnhancing trauma reporting: Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025Youm-e-Tameer-o-Taraqi or Youm-e-Tabahi? Government spends millions on self-congratulatory adsBlogger killed, editor missing as Mozambique's press freedom crisis deepensPTV pensioners continue protests over unpaid dues and medical facilitiesWill PECA 2025 law be repealed? PFUJ begins a legal battleDefying threats: Munizae Jahangir's story reveals what it costs to be a woman journalist in PakistanIndia revokes nonprofit and tax status of news outletsUkraine's security service opens criminal case after Ukrainska Pravda reportTwo Cambodian journalists detained over cyber scam torture videoThe Olympic Games: A timeless testament to human excellence and unity

The 'pious' doc ditches ARY for Geo

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published June 27, 2012 |  Z B Saigol

Join our WhatsApp channel

The 'pious' doc ditches ARY for Geo

KARACHI: It is confirmed that Dr Amer Liaquat has returned to his roost at Geo. Yesterday I had accurately speculated in my report for JournalismPakistan.com that there was a good possibility the ‘pious’ doctor might ditch ARY and return to Geo, the channel that not only made him an “Aalim Online” but a superstar of sorts.

Today Mir Ibrahim Rehman, CEO Geo Network, warmly welcomed the return of his prodigal anchor and founding member of Team Geo with a letter addressed to Geo employees, informing them of Liaquat’s return to the network in a position of increased responsibility.

According to Mir Ibrahim’s letter of welcome, all differences with Liaquat had been ironed out and on his return he would be wearing three hats.

a)     As Vice-President of Geo TV Network and part of the Network Committee, he would be part of important decisions regarding the network.

b)     He would also supervise the “Geotainment” department with the responsibility of spreading knowledge and information and producing religious programming along with other Geotainment programs.

c)     As Group Executive Director and Editor Religious Affairs, he would be available to guide on religious content for the Jang/Geo Group.

Mir Ibrahim said he had a lot of confidence in Liaquat’s capabilities and reiterated the management would extend full support to him in promoting and strengthening the reputation of the organization.

Very conveniently no mention was made of the leaked pre-program prepping videos that surfaced in February this year which showed this so-called religious expert using abusive language and insensitive remarks for a troubled woman. The leaked videos went viral back then.

It also sparked differences with the Geo management that resulted in Liaquat quitting and taking his piousness on a tour of sorts, including one to the USA. But  that now appears to be a mere hiccup.

Apparently the Geo management has been encouraged by the thick-skinned approach adopted by Dunya TV towards controversial anchor Meher Bukhari who has managed to hang on to her job despite  messing up big time alongside  fellow anchor Mubashar Lucqman while prepping for an interview with property tycoon Malik Riaz.

Having got his way, Liaquat is expected to do as he pleases.

When I spoke to some people on the street, they were aghast at the news.  Here are some of the reactions I encountered:

“What? He is back.”

“This has got to be a joke, right?”

And…

“If that man advises me on religion, there is no telling what I might do. There is nothing simple or honest about him. This is a crazy decision. I’m disgusted.”

But we have short memories. Meher is still there, so why not Liaquat?

(Z B Saigol is a guest writer)

*The views expressed by the writer do not necessarily reflect the views of JournalismPakistan.com
 

PFUJ to IHC: PECA Law must be suspended to protect journalism

PFUJ to IHC: PECA Law must be suspended to protect journalism

 February 11, 2025:  The PFUJ has petitioned the Islamabad High Court to suspend the PECA Amendment Act, arguing that the law curtails press freedom and contains contradictory provisions. The court has issued a notice to the Attorney General for assistance.

Hum News leads the way: First Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools

Hum News leads the way: First Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools

 February 09, 2025:  Hum News Network becomes the first Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, enhancing productivity and innovation. Discover how this visionary move sets new standards in media.

Youm-e-Tameer-o-Taraqi or Youm-e-Tabahi? Government spends millions on self-congratulatory ads

Youm-e-Tameer-o-Taraqi or Youm-e-Tabahi? Government spends millions on self-congratulatory ads

 February 08, 2025:  As Pakistan faces an economic crisis, the government splurges taxpayers' money on full-page ads and press releases to glorify its achievements. Critics call it a wasteful PR stunt. Read how public funds are being misused for political propaganda.

PTV pensioners continue protests over unpaid dues and medical facilities

PTV pensioners continue protests over unpaid dues and medical facilities

 February 07, 2025:  PTV pensioners staged nationwide protests demanding their unpaid pensions, medical benefits, and dues for nearly 400 retirees. Protesters, supported by PFUJ, criticized PTV management for corruption and lavish expenses while neglecting retirees' rights.

Will PECA 2025 law be repealed? PFUJ begins a legal battle

Will PECA 2025 law be repealed? PFUJ begins a legal battle

 February 06, 2025:  PFUJ has challenged the controversial PECA Act 2025 in the Islamabad High Court, citing it as an attack on press freedom. Journalists and rights organizations protest the law’s implications for free speech and media independence in Pakistan.

Defying threats: Munizae Jahangir's story reveals what it costs to be a woman journalist in Pakistan

Defying threats: Munizae Jahangir's story reveals what it costs to be a woman journalist in Pakistan

 February 06, 2025:  Pakistani women journalists like Munizae Jahangir and Asma Shirazi face severe threats, harassment, and online abuse. This article explores the struggles of women in media, the systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure press freedom and journalist safety.

Contrasting paths:  White House welcomes digital media, Pakistan crushes it

Contrasting paths: White House welcomes digital media, Pakistan crushes it

 January 29, 2025:  As the White House welcomes podcasters and digital journalists, Pakistan tightens censorship through PECA amendments, silencing independent voices and forcing journalists into exile. A stark contrast in press freedom emerges.

PECA amendments further tighten government's grip on digital expression: IFJ

PECA amendments further tighten government's grip on digital expression: IFJ

 January 29, 2025:  Pakistan’s latest PECA amendments expand government control over social media, criminalize misinformation, and threaten freedom of expression. Media stakeholders and human rights groups condemn the draconian changes. Learn more about the implications for journalists and activists.

Newsroom
Enhancing trauma reporting: Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025

Enhancing trauma reporting: Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025

 February 09, 2025 The Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025 is open for applications! This prestigious program at Columbia University offers journalists an intensive seminar on trauma reporting, media ethics, and responsible journalism. Apply by March 3, 2025.

Blogger killed, editor missing as Mozambique's press freedom crisis deepens

Blogger killed, editor missing as Mozambique's press freedom crisis deepens

 February 07, 2025 Mozambican journalist Albino Sibia was killed while filming police brutality, and reporter Pedro Junior was shot covering his funeral. Arlindo Chissale remains missing. These attacks highlight the dire state of press freedom in Mozambique amid post-election unrest.

India revokes nonprofit and tax status of news outlets

India revokes nonprofit and tax status of news outlets

 February 05, 2025 The Committee to Protect Journalists urges the Indian government to stop targeting independent journalism after revoking the nonprofit and tax-exempt statuses of The Reporters’ Collective and The File. Learn how this impacts investigative reporting and media freedom in India.

Ukraine's security service opens criminal case after Ukrainska Pravda report

Ukraine's security service opens criminal case after Ukrainska Pravda report

 February 04, 2025 Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has opened a criminal case for disclosure of state secrets following Ukrainska Pravda’s report on statements by military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. CPJ urges authorities to respect press freedom and journalist protections.

Two Cambodian journalists detained over cyber scam torture video

Two Cambodian journalists detained over cyber scam torture video

 February 03, 2025 Cambodian journalists Duong Akhara and Lay Socheat have been detained on incitement charges after publishing a video allegedly showing torture in a cyberscam center. Press freedom advocates call for their immediate release.