Journalism Pakistan
Journalism Pakistan
Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket فتح بھی پاکستان کرکٹ کے ڈھانچے کی تباہی نہیں چھپا سکتیJournalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude صحافیوں کا بجٹ کے بعد کی بریفنگ سے واک آؤٹ، حکومت کے توہین آمیز رویے پر احتجاجLegal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar ڈاکٹر نعمان نیاز کی جانب سے شعیب اختر کو ہتکِ عزت کا نوٹسHRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties ایچ آر سی پی کا پی ای سی اے کے مکمل خاتمے کا مطالبہ، آزادی اظہار اور شہری آزادیوں کے لیے خطرہ قرارPFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice پی ایف یو جے کا صحافی سید محمد شاہ کے قتل کی مذمت، قاتل کی فوری گرفتاری کا مطالبہState within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties ریاست کے اندر ریاست؟ جنگ گروپ کے بحال شدہ ملازمین کو دفتر جانے سے روک دیا گیاMoeed Pirzada to report journalist Fakhar Durrani to FBI over alleged data theft معروف صحافی معید پیرزادہ کا فخر درانی کے خلاف ایف بی آئی کو رپورٹ کرنے کا فیصلہ

Dangerous medical misinformation: How PTV's false narrative threatens cancer patients

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published December 18, 2024 at 12:37 pm |  JP Staff Report

Join our WhatsApp channel

Dangerous medical misinformation: How PTV's false narrative threatens cancer patients

ISLAMABAD—In a disturbing display of medical irresponsibility, Pakistan Television (PTV) has spread potentially life-threatening misinformation about cancer treatment, drawing sharp criticism from medical professionals.

During a recent broadcast, analyst Rizwan Razi made a series of medically unfounded claims about cancer treatment, targeting Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital and promoting a purported new Chinese technology that he claimed could freeze and remove cancer without chemotherapy.

Dr. Waqas Nawaz, an assistant professor of gastroenterology in the United States, comprehensively dismantled these claims, calling them "disinformation, lies, and misleading."

Key Falsehoods Exposed

Treatment Misconception: Contrary to Razi's claims, cancer treatment is stage-specific. Stages II and III often require chemotherapy alongside surgery.
Chemotherapy Myths: The notion that chemotherapy cannot exceed three cycles is medically incorrect. Treatment cycles vary based on cancer type, spread, and patient condition.

Fictional Technology: The alleged Chinese cancer-freezing technology appears to be a fabrication, unsupported by medical research centers like MD Anderson.
Hospital Treatment Claims: Statements suggesting universal treatment at Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital for all ages and stages are medically impossible and dangerous.

Dr. Nawaz's challenge is unequivocal: Any licensed doctor validating these claims should come forward, or the anchors should publicly apologize for spreading potentially fatal misinformation.

The Broader Danger

While PTV's viewership might be low, its potential to mislead vulnerable populations—particularly in rural areas—remains significant. Patients might abandon proven treatments based on these false narratives, risking their lives.

This incident underscores a growing concern: the weaponization of medical information for political gains, which can have devastating consequences for patients seeking genuine medical guidance.

Medical activism and critical fact-checking are crucial in combating such dangerous misinformation. Patients deserve accurate, science-based information, not politically motivated propaganda that could cost lives.

Chief Minister's 300 photos, 60 pages: Punjab's advertising excess

Chief Minister's 300 photos, 60 pages: Punjab's advertising excess

 February 26, 2025:  An in-depth analysis of the Punjab Government's excessive self-promotion through media, costing taxpayers millions while masquerading propaganda as achievements.

Media ethics collapse as Punjab government buys front pages for self-praise

Media ethics collapse as Punjab government buys front pages for self-praise

 February 25, 2025:  The Punjab government faces criticism for spending millions in taxpayer money on misleading front-page advertisements across major Pakistani newspapers, raising serious questions about media integrity and public resource management.

When talk shows turn battlegrounds: The ugly face of Pakistani TV

When talk shows turn battlegrounds: The ugly face of Pakistani TV

 January 23, 2025:  An in-depth look at the recent scuffle on a Pakistani talk show, its implications for media ethics, and the urgent need for TV channels to uphold decorum during debates.

Geo News faces backlash after controversial tweet targeting Richard Grenell

Geo News faces backlash after controversial tweet targeting Richard Grenell

 December 17, 2024:  Geo News faces criticism after a homophobic tweet targeting Richard Grenell, a Trump advisor advocating for Imran Khan's release, which was subsequently deleted.

Unethical reporting: Suno TV targets Matiullah Jan amid controversial arrest

Unethical reporting: Suno TV targets Matiullah Jan amid controversial arrest

 November 29, 2024:  Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.

Sipping tea, watching lies: The reality of Pakistani media

Sipping tea, watching lies: The reality of Pakistani media

 August 17, 2024:  A viral video exposes a shocking reality about Pakistani media, where fake news circulates unchecked. The clip, featuring a false report on the arrest of former IG of Jails, Shahid Saleem, highlights the pervasive issue of yellow journalism and raises questions about news credibility.

Dr. Omar Adil's sexist comments against female anchors spark outrage

Dr. Omar Adil's sexist comments against female anchors spark outrage

 July 25, 2024:  Dr. Omar Adil's sexist remarks against female journalists, including Gharidah Farooqi, have ignited widespread criticism, calling for full accountability and stronger actions against misogynistic language in the industry.

Suno TV censors PTI leader Zartaj Gul's scarf featuring Imran Khan

Suno TV censors PTI leader Zartaj Gul's scarf featuring Imran Khan

 July 13, 2024:  In a blatant display of media censorship, Suno TV blurred images of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on a scarf worn by PTI leader Zartaj Gul during a talk show. This incident adds to the growing list of censorship cases in Pakistani media, raising concerns about freedom of expression and media integrity.

Newsroom
Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

 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.

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

 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.

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

 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.

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

 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.

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

 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.