Dare to investigate? Asad Ali Toor confronts investigative journalists on Panjutha's abduction

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last year |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—In a hard-hitting statement, journalist Asad Toor has openly criticized Pakistan’s investigative journalists, accusing them of abandoning journalistic ethics and siding with the establishment. Known for his unfiltered opinions, Toor directed his frustration at what he described as "low-ranked Pakistani journalists," referring to them as "touts of the establishment." He has publicly challenged them to conduct investigative reporting on the recent kidnapping of Intezar Hussain Panjutha, a prominent lawyer for former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Panjutha, who was abducted and later found severely beaten and tortured, is a high-profile figure connected to Khan's ongoing legal battles. Toor's challenge to the media has sparked debate, with his video clip spreading rapidly across social media, where he declared, "If these journalists have any self-respect, they should do investigative shows on who abducted Panjotha and where was he kept."

According to Toor, media figures occupying prime spots on television have prioritized establishment narratives over independent reporting. "Let's see what these so-called investigative journalists do now," he added, further criticizing their apparent complacency and accusing them of working off pre-determined scripts.

This recent call-out by Toor taps into growing frustrations over the lack of journalistic freedom in Pakistan. Many view Toor's statements as a reflection of an underlying issue within the industry: the perceived suppression of voices. While some journalists push for transparency and unbiased reporting, Toor's statements highlight that those occupying influential roles within the media may lack the independence to do so.