JournalismPakistan.com | Published April 27, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD - Journalists went after former cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja after his angry tweet where he blames former rulers for the ills plaguing Pakistan, and also the people for electing them.
Raja said: “What’s gone wrong with our tv political shows and anchors? They have lost it-showcasing opposition’s morbid views who on their watch had f….d up Pakistan. If public is feeling the “price pang” it bloody well deserves it for voting them in power for 10 yrs.#horchuppo”
Journalists were quick to pounce upon Raja.
Public News presenter Owais Tohid advised him to stay away from politics. “Our generations of 70’s & 80’s were huge fan of your brother Wasim Raja. Fond memories of Wasim; highly talented, highly educated & a politically correct man. Sadly you lack all those qualities, poking nose in a field of politics which you know nothing about is unfortunate.”
Our generations of 70’s& 80’s were huge fan of your brother Wasim Raja. Fond memories of Wasim; highly talented, highly educated& a politically correct man. Sadly you lack all those qualities, poking nose in a field of politics which you know nothing about is unfortunate. https://t.co/RLAegPfQrI
— Owais Tohid (@OwaisTohid) April 27, 2019
Umer Cheema of The News said here comes another genius from the world of cricket, taking a dig both at the prime minister and Raja. “UmYet another genius from the world of cricket.”
Analyst Mazhar Abbas also advised Raja to stay away from politics. “Ramiz, don't try to change your batting order and let the Captain do the job. You are good where you are. Enjoy your life.”
However, Ramiz Raja shot back. “As a citizen think I can have an opinion on anything &verything including politics. Also with 22 yrs of international tv experience I can comment on the state of TV channels & shows. Political shows are mostly negative, agenda driven, lacking solid editorial & political intellect.”
Dunya News journalist Khawar Ghumman agreed with Raja. “Certainly, you can. Everybody as the right to express his/her views. One may agree or disagree.”
Photo: Twitter (@iramizraja)
February 11, 2025: The PFUJ has petitioned the Islamabad High Court to suspend the PECA Amendment Act, arguing that the law curtails press freedom and contains contradictory provisions. The court has issued a notice to the Attorney General for assistance.
February 09, 2025: Hum News Network becomes the first Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, enhancing productivity and innovation. Discover how this visionary move sets new standards in media.
February 08, 2025: As Pakistan faces an economic crisis, the government splurges taxpayers' money on full-page ads and press releases to glorify its achievements. Critics call it a wasteful PR stunt. Read how public funds are being misused for political propaganda.
February 07, 2025: PTV pensioners staged nationwide protests demanding their unpaid pensions, medical benefits, and dues for nearly 400 retirees. Protesters, supported by PFUJ, criticized PTV management for corruption and lavish expenses while neglecting retirees' rights.
February 06, 2025: PFUJ has challenged the controversial PECA Act 2025 in the Islamabad High Court, citing it as an attack on press freedom. Journalists and rights organizations protest the law’s implications for free speech and media independence in Pakistan.
February 06, 2025: Pakistani women journalists like Munizae Jahangir and Asma Shirazi face severe threats, harassment, and online abuse. This article explores the struggles of women in media, the systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure press freedom and journalist safety.
January 29, 2025: As the White House welcomes podcasters and digital journalists, Pakistan tightens censorship through PECA amendments, silencing independent voices and forcing journalists into exile. A stark contrast in press freedom emerges.
January 29, 2025: Pakistan’s latest PECA amendments expand government control over social media, criminalize misinformation, and threaten freedom of expression. Media stakeholders and human rights groups condemn the draconian changes. Learn more about the implications for journalists and activists.
February 09, 2025 The Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025 is open for applications! This prestigious program at Columbia University offers journalists an intensive seminar on trauma reporting, media ethics, and responsible journalism. Apply by March 3, 2025.
February 07, 2025 Mozambican journalist Albino Sibia was killed while filming police brutality, and reporter Pedro Junior was shot covering his funeral. Arlindo Chissale remains missing. These attacks highlight the dire state of press freedom in Mozambique amid post-election unrest.
February 05, 2025 The Committee to Protect Journalists urges the Indian government to stop targeting independent journalism after revoking the nonprofit and tax-exempt statuses of The Reporters’ Collective and The File. Learn how this impacts investigative reporting and media freedom in India.
February 04, 2025 Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has opened a criminal case for disclosure of state secrets following Ukrainska Pravda’s report on statements by military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. CPJ urges authorities to respect press freedom and journalist protections.
February 03, 2025 Cambodian journalists Duong Akhara and Lay Socheat have been detained on incitement charges after publishing a video allegedly showing torture in a cyberscam center. Press freedom advocates call for their immediate release.