JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 06, 2024 at 01:34 pm | JP Staff Report
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ISLAMABAD—Geo News Television's special broadcast on the US presidential elections revealed a unique moment that underscored the current state of media freedom in Pakistan. During a segment hosted by Hamid Mir, the broadcast experienced an unusual "technical glitch" when Donald Trump, then appearing on screen, was expected to comment on Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The sound was abruptly muted as Trump's face filled the screen, leaving viewers in anticipation. Music played in place of Trump's comments, and after a few moments of silence, Hamid Mir explained to viewers that there was a "technical problem."
Mir's reaction and the laughter that followed from panelists Shahzeb Khanzada and Shahzad Iqbal revealed an unspoken awareness of editorial pressures that newsrooms face when covering politically sensitive figures in Pakistan. For months, Imran Khan's name has been scarcely mentioned in the country's media, replaced by the title "PTI founder." With regulatory bodies enforcing strict censorship rules, particularly against naming Khan directly, news channels have increasingly adopted coded language and subtle hints to discuss the former prime minister.
The muted moment became a quiet statement about the influence of government and establishment pressure on editorial decisions. By opting to silence Trump's comments on Khan, Geo News inadvertently showcased the tightrope Pakistani journalists walk when covering controversial topics. Instead of addressing the elephant in the room, the station turned to humor, giving viewers a glimpse into the constrained environment in which the country's journalists operate.
While viewers may have laughed along, the incident speaks to a larger issue facing Pakistani media. It highlights a growing gap between journalistic ideals of transparency and the reality of broadcasting under scrutiny and censorship. As censorship policies continue to evolve, this incident with Geo News serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges Pakistani journalists face in upholding media freedom.
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