Hamid Mir questions journalist bodies' mediation

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 31 December 2021

Hamid Mir has raised concerns about journalist associations mediating his situation after being banned from mainstream media. He emphasizes the need to reveal their roles in the controversy.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—On Friday, Hamid Mir questioned the role of journalists’ associations in mediating between him and the establishment after being banned in June this year, saying he would bring their part to light.

In an article on dw.com in Urdu, Hamid Mir complained about how he has been removed from mainstream print and electronic media. He added that after his talk show on Geo TV and his column in daily Jang was banned, he offered to resign. “But I was told in few days’ time everything will be settled.”

Mir, who hosted ‘Capital Talk’ onGeo TV, was taken off air after he criticized the military in a speech at a rally in support of Asad Ali Toor on May 28, 2021.

“Then some journalists associations became mediators. Was their role that of a mediator or a facilitator? This is a long story which will be made public one day.”

Without naming any journalist association, he added: “Right now I only want to say I was told not to worry and that the attackers of Asad Ali Toor will be arrested soon. But then a new wave of allegations was initiated against me.”

In a statement by Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), the National Press Club, and Mir on June 8, 2021, he apologized for his outburst at the protest against the attack on Asad Ali Toor, saying he respects the institution of the army.

KEY POINTS:

• Hamid Mir was banned from media for criticizing the military.
• He questions the role of journalists' associations in his case.
• Mir's show and column were halted after a rally speech.
• He expresses frustration over ongoing allegations against him.
• The statement of journalist unions included an apology from Mir.