JournalismPakistan.com | Published July 25, 2024 at 11:34 pm | Imran Naeem Ahmad
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Pakistani journalist Jahanzaib Ali has hit back at Indian media for targeting him over a question he posed to US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller regarding directives in India’s Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Ali, a correspondent for Pakistan’s ARY News told JournalismPakistan.com on Thursday that his question focused on reports that Muslim vendors were being forced to display their names, raising concerns about growing intolerance and discrimination.
"Journalists like myself must ask probing questions, especially on issues that touch on human rights and discrimination," he said. "My question was based on reports circulating in the media about potential discrimination against Muslim vendors. Asking such questions is not about meddling in a country’s internal affairs but highlighting and addressing potential human rights concerns."
Ali emphasized that his question was rooted in genuine concerns reported by various sources. "The intent was to seek clarity and prompt a discussion on the treatment of religious minorities, a matter of universal human rights," he explained.
Responding to allegations of bias and misrepresentation, Ali stated, "An Indian media outlet accused me of framing my question misleadingly. It is important to clarify that my question was based on genuine concerns reported by multiple sources."
Ali also highlighted the importance of press freedom. "Press freedom is a cornerstone of any democratic society. Journalists must be able to ask difficult questions without facing intimidation or accusations of having ulterior motives," he asserted. "Discrediting a journalist for asking a legitimate question undermines the very foundation of a free press."
Addressing the broader context of religious discrimination, Ali remarked, "There is ample evidence and numerous reports from credible organizations highlighting the challenges faced by religious minorities in India. The concerns I raised are not isolated but part of a broader discourse on minority rights and religious freedom."
Ali underscored the necessity of promoting dialogue and accountability. "Constructive dialogue on human rights issues is essential for progress. Questions posed by journalists, even if they are uncomfortable, play a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability," he pointed out. "It is through such dialogue that societies can address and rectify injustices."
Ali reiterated the importance of supporting and defending the role of journalists. "It is imperative to support and defend the role of journalists in questioning government policies and actions. My question was an exercise of my professional duty to seek truth and uphold human rights," he declared. "Attempts to discredit me for doing my job are unfair and detrimental to the principles of press freedom and accountability."
Earlier this month, Ali faced severe backlash and threats following a question he posed at a Pentagon briefing. His inquiry centered on the potential involvement of foreign governments in an attack on former U.S. President Donald Trump. This question, interpreted by some as implicating India, drew significant controversy.
"This is not the first time that the Indian media has targeted me and tried to portray me as an anti-Indian journalist. It's not just on social media; a few months ago, I received death threats from unknown callers asking me to stop asking questions about India, especially regarding the Modi government. I had detailed meetings about these threats with the State Department and the FBI."
October 12, 2024: A critical look at the increasing attacks on press freedom in Pakistan, from harassment of female journalists to violent assaults and unjust detentions. Despite condemnations, no action plan has been put in place to address these violations.
October 12, 2024: PFUJ strongly condemns adding journalists to NACTA's Schedule IV list, emphasizing that journalism is a profession and the fourth pillar of democracy, not a crime.
October 10, 2024: The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) strongly condemns the inclusion of senior journalists on NACTA's Schedule IV list and calls for the immediate release of Ehsan Naseem, arrested after interviewing Manzoor Pashteen. DigiMAP demands respect for press freedom and journalist rights.
October 09, 2024: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists slams PEMRA for issuing notices to TV channels over Karachi attack coverage, calling it pressure tactics and demanding immediate withdrawal.
October 08, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns the closure of Daily 92's Islamabad office, which has caused widespread unemployment among journalists and media workers. PFUJ calls for the immediate reversal of the decision, criticizing management for irresponsible actions during economic hardship.
October 07, 2024: Geo News anchors criticize Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for using the banned platform X to address the Karachi attack. Their remarks spark debate over the government’s selective use of banned social media. Read more about the ongoing legal case challenging the X ban.
October 06, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns violence against journalists during a PTI protest and demands the immediate release of Faizan Hussain, a senior journalist detained by the government.
October 03, 2024: Veteran journalists condemn threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure his safety and protect press freedom.
October 09, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul on bail after over two years of arbitrary detention. CPJ urges Jammu and Kashmir authorities to end the prosecution of Gul and allow media freedom in the region.
October 08, 2024 Mid-career journalists from the U.S. and abroad can apply for the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship at the University of Michigan. This prestigious fellowship offers a year of academic study with a stipend of US$85,000.
October 06, 2024 The International Labour Organization (ILO) invites journalists to participate in its 10th Global Media Competition, aiming to promote fair and balanced reporting on labor migration. Join the initiative to highlight the positive contributions of migrant workers and combat discrimination.
October 06, 2024 Explore how Thailand's media covers pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts. This article examines the role of journalism in raising awareness and fostering public engagement on critical environmental issues.
October 06, 2024 Discover the essential techniques and tips for conducting successful sports interviews. This article explores how to engage athletes and ask the right questions to deliver compelling stories.