JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 04, 2024 at 08:13 pm | JP Staff Report
Join our WhatsApp channel
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.
December 05, 2024: UNESCO and IRADA hosted a national consultation in Islamabad, calling for inclusive Internet governance reforms in Pakistan to protect digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to information through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
December 04, 2024: A viral video claiming journalist Matiullah Jan was expelled from PMA has been debunked by iVerify Pakistan. The video, edited with AI, originates from the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa.
November 30, 2024: Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.
November 30, 2024: Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.
November 30, 2024: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.
November 29, 2024: The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.
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.
November 29, 2024: WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.
December 05, 2024 Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.
December 04, 2024 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as Pakistan's hosting rights clash with India's refusal to participate. A political and financial standoff unfolds.
December 03, 2024 Submit your work for the Global Shining Light Award by February 28, 2025. Celebrate investigative journalism from the Global South at the Kuala Lumpur conference.
November 21, 2024 Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.
November 20, 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is accepting applications for its 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, offering journalists from crisis areas six months of digital security training, networking opportunities, and more.