Kamal Siddiqi concerned over unprofessional conduct of Pakistani media

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 5 years ago

KARACHI—Kamal Siddiqi, senior journalist and former editor of The Express Tribune, has expressed serious concern over the unprofessional conduct of Pakistani media in covering PIA-like disasters and called for professional training of journalists to enrich their skills.

In his article published in The Express Tribune titled Media most foul, Siddiqi points out that the media went wrong while covering the crash of PK8303, terming the desire of 40 major news channels to be noticed, the base of breaking news and the root cause of problems.

He thought that rating and advertising depended on eyeballs. Therefore, directors were compelled to run any news, whether verified or unverified, irrespective of the consequences. He added that there were no apologies made, nor any clarifications over running unverified and incorrect information.

He termed a lack of formal training in journalism part of the problem. Citing examples, he said the airing of the passenger list well before the PIA management had informed the families concerned, airing of pictures of the victims, taken probably without permission and airing of the conversation between the pilot and control tower were professional wrongs.

Additionally, the physical movement of TV crews at the crash site or the hospitals, in the way of the rescue operation and speculations, added to the chaos.

He urged highlighting the incompetence of some quarters in the media and providing education and professional training to journalists to enrich them professionally.

Siddiqi is the director of the Center for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) at the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi.

Photo: Twitter (@Tribunian)

Read Next

Why only Nukta, Mr. Minister? Media workers question government's selective support

 November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar’s job offer to Nukta staff draws criticism as hundreds of journalists across Pakistan face layoffs, salary delays, and job insecurity.

Information Minister Tarar announces jobs for all 37 laid-off Nukta employees

 November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announces jobs for 37 laid-off Nukta employees, saying they will be placed at digital platforms within 48 hours amid growing media uncertainty.

Faisal Chaudhry’s viral one-liner on G for Gharidah steals the show

 November 05, 2025: PTI’s Faisal Chaudhry’s witty reply to Gharidah Farooqi on GTV’s “G for Gharidah” goes viral as a clip from their debate over the 27th Amendment sparks reactions online.

A digital dream falters: Nukta cuts 37 jobs in Pakistan after only one year

 November 05, 2025: Digital platform Nukta lays off 37 employees in Pakistan, including journalists and producers, highlighting the financial struggles facing new media ventures in a shrinking job market.

Talat Hussain says offensive viral clip was edited out, not aired on Samaa TV

 November 04, 2025: Talat Hussain denies airing the viral clip showing Sher Afzal Marwat’s vulgar remark, saying it was not part of his Samaa TV show.

PFUJ recalls November 3, 2007 emergency as Pakistan’s darkest day

 November 03, 2025: PFUJ recalls November 3, 2007, as Pakistan’s darkest day under Musharraf, urging protection for journalists and the abolition of laws threatening press freedom.

PFUJ calls for end to Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

 November 02, 2025: PFUJ urges Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments to end Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and ensure their safety and press freedom.

Global impunity for journalist murders worsens as Pakistan sees 60 percent rise in attacks

 November 02, 2025: Impunity for crimes against journalists deepens worldwide as Pakistan reports a 60 percent surge in attacks and weak enforcement of safety laws.