JournalismPakistan.com | Published July 25, 2024 at 08:50 pm | JP Staff Reporter
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Dr. Omar Adil, known for his vocal commentary on various issues, has drawn widespread criticism for making sexist remarks about prominent anchor Gharidah Farooqi and other female anchors. In an online program hosted by vlogger Zohaib Saleem Butt, Dr. Adil made derogatory comments about women in the media industry.
"I would say something about female anchors in the Pakistan media industry. I am being honest. The women in media in our country are either someone's keep because they have been handpicked by a seth or somebody else to go and host a stupid program," Dr. Adil stated.
His comments were met with intense backlash on social media. Prominent anchor Absa Komal of DawnNews responded, saying, "Unfortunately, I have seen the entire statement, and it is painful to be a part of this society. Seeing successful women has driven them completely insane."
The Network of Women Journalists for Digital Rights (NWJDR) called for full accountability for Dr. Omar Adil, stating, "A public apology is insufficient to address the profound damage inflicted on the reputation of all women journalists." The group also criticized host Zohaib Saleem Butt's apology, calling it grossly inadequate and insufficient to mitigate the harm caused by the misogynistic statements.
Women Press Freedom expressed solidarity with Gharidah Farooqi and over 60 journalists in condemning Dr. Omar Adil's sexist remarks. "We endorse the Network of Women Journalists for Digital Rights (NWJDR's) call for accountability, emphasizing that mere public apologies are inadequate. We call upon Pakistani officials to condemn and take action against such detrimental language that diminishes the vital contribution of women journalists to press freedom."
The use of sexist and abusive language towards women in the media has been a recurring issue, with female journalists and anchors frequently targeted by hate speech, threats, and defamation.
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.
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.
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.
December 18, 2024: A critical examination of dangerous medical misinformation broadcast on Pakistan Television, exposing how political propaganda can potentially harm cancer patients by spreading false treatment narratives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
April 30, 2025 Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025 Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025 India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
April 23, 2025 Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.