Journalist Moeed Pirzada criticizes Asma Shirazi's comments on UK deportations

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last year |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—In a video shared on social media, Moeed Pirzada, a prominent Pakistani journalist living in exile, expressed his disapproval of TV anchor Asma Shirazi's reaction to the deportation news involving Pakistani protesters in the UK. The protesters had chanted slogans against former Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Esa.

Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas first revealed the news on Shirazi's show, to which Shirazi responded enthusiastically, calling it 'breaking news' and describing it as 'a very good development.'

Pirzada took issue with Shirazi's reaction, claiming her excitement and choice of words indicated a disregard for democratic values, freedom of speech, and the right to peaceful protest. "When she says this is 'breaking,' and her face glows with excitement, and the way she said 'this is a good thing about to happen' shows her inner self and her mercilessness,' Pirzada stated. "It also shows she has no respect for democracy, no belief in freedom of expression and protest, and she sees the ruling government as right."

Pirzada further argued that Shirazi's support for the deportations implied an endorsement of recent rulings by Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Esa, which he believes have harmed Pakistan's democracy, constitution, and judicial integrity. "Her comment is a seal of approval for these decisions," he noted, referring to Shirazi's perceived support for policies and actions he considers detrimental to Pakistan's democratic framework and judicial independence.

He concluded by expressing hope that Shirazi might, at some point, reflect on her stance and consider the broader implications of her words and perspectives on democracy and free expression.