Asia-Pacific press freedom falls as legal pressure deepens Global press freedom hits historic low, RSF reports Zambia cancels RightsCon 2026 days before start Dawn CEO flags new era of media pressure in Pakistan Journalists at war with themselves: A crisis no one will win Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut freed in US brokered swap Press freedom declines amid aggressive PECA enforcement: report Matiullah Jan and the cost of speaking about press freedom CBS News replaces London chief amid Gaza coverage row Maldives raid on Adhadhu intensifies press pressure Tunisia detains journalist, escalating press crackdown Amar Guriro selected for global nuclear reporting group Journalist Matiullah Jan exits Neo News amid controversy Journalist Fakhar ur Rehman granted bail in PECA case Dan Qayyum challenges legacy media gatekeeping model Asia-Pacific press freedom falls as legal pressure deepens Global press freedom hits historic low, RSF reports Zambia cancels RightsCon 2026 days before start Dawn CEO flags new era of media pressure in Pakistan Journalists at war with themselves: A crisis no one will win Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut freed in US brokered swap Press freedom declines amid aggressive PECA enforcement: report Matiullah Jan and the cost of speaking about press freedom CBS News replaces London chief amid Gaza coverage row Maldives raid on Adhadhu intensifies press pressure Tunisia detains journalist, escalating press crackdown Amar Guriro selected for global nuclear reporting group Journalist Matiullah Jan exits Neo News amid controversy Journalist Fakhar ur Rehman granted bail in PECA case Dan Qayyum challenges legacy media gatekeeping model
Logo
Janu
Journalism that stands apart

Journalists' tweets get bitter as election nears

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 21 July 2018

Join our WhatsApp channel

Journalists' tweets get bitter as election nears
With the election nearing, tensions among journalists are rising on Twitter. Personal attacks and accusations of foreign influence are becoming more common.

ISLAMABAD - As the journalists have taken sides in the election fray, their tweets are also getting bitter - calling each other names and labelling others agents of the foreign masters and dictators.

Matiullah Jan (pictured), host of talk show Apna Apna Gareban, on Saturday, called Irshad Bhatti, who appears as an analyst in talk shows daily, a “tout of dictatorship”.

No stranger to controversies, Mati’s tweet was in response to Bhatti’s in which he is cursing and berating the quality of democracy in Pakistan, in a video clip.

Mati’s tweet in Urdu added that the 'tout' badmouths democracy and supremacy of constitution on TV but never talks against the military rulers in Pakistan.

Photo courtesy: Daily Pakistan

Key Points

  • Journalists are increasingly taking sides as elections approach.
  • Accusations of being agents of foreign powers are rampant on social media.
  • Matiullah Jan criticized Irshad Bhatti's stance on democracy on Twitter.
  • Debates over the quality of democracy in Pakistan are intensifying.
  • Personal attacks among journalists are becoming more frequent.

Ask AI: Understand this story your way

AI Enabled

Dig deeper, ask anything — get instant context, background, and clarity.

Not sure what to choose? Try one of these.

The AI generates results based on your selected options
Your AI-generated results will appear here after you click the button.

Disclaimer: This feature is powered by AI and is intended to help readers explore and understand news stories more easily. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated responses may occasionally be incomplete or reflect limitations in the underlying model. This feature does not represent the editorial views of JournalismPakistan. For our full, verified reporting, please refer to the original article.

Read Next

PNP launches nationwide media quiz

PNP launches nationwide media quiz

 April 26, 2026: PNP launches a nationwide online quiz for World Press Freedom Day 2026 to promote media rights, ethical journalism and media literacy; winners announced May 3.

Newsroom
Asia-Pacific press freedom falls as legal pressure deepens

Asia-Pacific press freedom falls as legal pressure deepens

 April 30, 2026 RSF warns Asia-Pacific press freedom is deteriorating; over half the region is classed difficult or worse and Pakistan faces sustained legal and regulatory pressure on its media.


Global press freedom hits historic low, RSF reports

Global press freedom hits historic low, RSF reports

 April 30, 2026 Reporters Without Borders says global press freedom is at its lowest in 25 years, with over half of countries now rated 'difficult' or 'very serious'.


Zambia cancels RightsCon 2026 days before start

Zambia cancels RightsCon 2026 days before start

 April 30, 2026 Zambia cancelled RightsCon 2026 days before the Lusaka event, citing values and diplomatic protocols, prompting global concern among rights groups.


Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut freed in US brokered swap

Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut freed in US brokered swap

 April 29, 2026 Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut was freed in a U.S.-brokered prisoner swap in late April 2026, ending his long detention on political charges.


Press freedom declines amid aggressive PECA enforcement: report

Press freedom declines amid aggressive PECA enforcement: report

 April 29, 2026 Freedom Network says press freedom in Pakistan has declined as amended PECA and regulatory actions were used to target journalists and curb online dissent.


Popular Stories