Express Tribune apologizes for offensive cartoon

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 28 October 2018

The Express Tribune issued an apology for a political cartoon deemed offensive to Christians. The publication acknowledged a lapse in judgment and stressed its commitment to ethical standards.

Summary

ISLAMABAD - The Express Tribune on Sunday apologized for publishing a political cartoon found offensive by people, especially the Christians.

While apologizing, the paper said: “The imagery used in the cartoon has deeply hurt the sensibilities of our citizens and therefore conflicts with the strong editorial and ethical standards we have otherwise set for ourselves.”

The paper ran the cartoon on its editorial page on October 26.  It was about the increase in power tariff and showed two men nailed to electricity poles like a crucifix.

The Express Tribune, further on in its apology, said it was taking appropriate action against those responsible. It assured the readers of utmost efforts in the future to ensure such material does not find itself into print, web, and online editions again.

“There was never any intent to hurt the sensitivities of any particular community or group. Any such purported depiction is purely coincidental and inadvertent. The lapse in judgment is deeply regretted.”

By Sunday, the paper had removed the cartoon in question from its e-paper.

Related: Express Tribune cartoon angers Christians

KEY POINTS:

• Express Tribune published an offensive cartoon on October 26.
• The cartoon depicted two men nailed to electricity poles.
• The paper has taken action against those responsible.
• It assured readers of efforts to prevent similar content.
• The cartoon has been removed from its e-paper.