Daily Times tells erring ministers to show respect for media professionals

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 9 January 2019

Daily Times criticized ministers for their disrespect towards media professionals. The editorial emphasizes the risks journalists face and urges the government to honor its commitments to press freedom.

Summary

ISLAMABAD - Daily Times on Wednesday reminded ministers Faisal Vawda and Fayyazul Hassan Chohan they were in office because of media professionals who kept the public informed which in turn put its trust in PTI in the 2018 elections.

Commenting editorially on the recent outbursts of the two ministers against journalists at separate events the paper said the public might change its mind five years from now, and send them packing.

It said the conduct of the ministers shows they are either ignorant of or unwilling to adhere to democratic norms.

In the editorial titled ‘Impatient ministers & media,’ the paper pointed out that media professionals put their lives in danger every day when reporting news for the public.

“They endure poor working environments and deal with employers who don’t care much about workers’ wellbeing, but they continue to serve the profession. The least a democratic government can do is show some respect for these professionals.”

The paper reminded the PTI government of promises and claims made by Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry that press freedom will be ensured at all costs.

“With due respect, Mr. Chaudhry, your colleagues in Islamabad and Lahore seem to have either not paid attention to your pledges, or they’re ignoring your party’s policy because the manner in which they conduct themselves in public is unbecoming of officials who’re answerable to the press.”

Commenting further on the paper said: “Don’t answer our questions if they’re too hard-hitting and you don’t the courage (sic) to do so. But do not dictate to us what kind of questions must be asked or not. That is only of us, as conscientious citizens and diligent professionals, to decide.”