Information Minister goes wrong

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 7 November 2014

The Information Minister's letter regarding the murder of journalist Jewan Arain has sparked outrage. His use of the term 'heartening' in this context has drawn criticism and raised questions about his sensitivity.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: It seems the Information Minister is cheerfully encouraged by the murder of Dharti News Television reporter Jewan Arain! Well, that is what he says at the outset of a letter he sent to Sindh Chief Minister Friday.

"It is heartening to note that Mr. Jeewan Arain has fallen prey to targeted killing while he was on way to Gambat (Khairpur)," Minister Pervaiz Rashid wrote in the letter to Syed Qaim Ali Shah.

Rashid was prompted to write to the Chief Minister after being pressed by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) that demanded stern action.

Is this an honest mistake or is the minister not familiar with the meaning of the word 'heartening'?

Perhaps the minister needs to go back to school for a refresher course.

See the full letter here

Key Points

Pervaiz Rashid wrote to Sindh Chief Minister regarding Jewan Arain's murder.
His use of 'heartening' in the context of a murder has been condemned.
The letter was a response to demands from the PFUJ for action on the killing.
Critics suggest the minister may misunderstand appropriate language for such incidents.
Calls for the minister to receive a refresher on journalistic sensitivities.

Relevant Topics

Information Minister

Jewan Arain

Targeted Killing

Pervaiz Rashid

Sindh

PFUJ

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