JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 09, 2021
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—M. Ziauddin sahib's struggle was not just with dictators; he put up with his fair share of irascible seniors and weak media owners.
Kamal Siddiqi, a former editor at The Express Tribune, who is currently the director of the IBA’s Center for Excellence in Journalism, wrote this in a comprehensive article published by samaa.tv.
“While working for nearly sixty years at almost all the major newspapers of the country—The Muslim, The News, DAWN, The Express Tribune—Ziauddin sahib has managed the nearly impossible: to maintain a blemish-free record throughout despite skirmishes with the high and mighty, including the once all-powerful General Pervez Musharraf,” he wrote. “In this age of ‘fake’ news, unverified reporting, and slippery ethics, it is worth examining the career of Muhammad Ziauddin, one of Pakistan's most respected names in journalism.”
Immediately after Ziauddin wrapped up his master’s degree in journalism in 1966, he launched a monthly news magazine called Pakistan Spotlight. However, after about four issues, the publisher ran out of funds, and they stopped printing. Ziauddin then joined Pakistan’s only private news wire at the time, Pakistan Press Agency, which was later renamed Pakistan Press International.
Being the cunning strategist, Gen Zia targeted the very unity of the PFUJ and broke it up by sowing seeds of discord within, the author stated. The time in London was productive and enjoyable for Ziauddin, as he broke some exclusives such as the deal between Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto, and he reported prolifically, Siddiqi wrote.
According to Siddiqi, Ziauddin's exit from The Express Tribune came in 2014 after the Express Media Group fought with the Jang Group following the Hamid Mir affair. There was a story on the Tribune front page in which a leading Geo TV anchor was accused of blasphemy. Ziauddin would not have any of it. “I had the best of rapport with the management, including owner Sultan Lakhani. I had advised them not to enter into a confrontation with the Jang Group and told them that Jang has great depth and would not be unseated easily.”
“...But the actions of the group disappointed Ziauddin. He quietly wrote his resignation and sent it across. To ensure there would be no confusion, he posted a tweet as well on July 1, 2014. And that was his clean exit.”
Siddiqi, in his article, also narrated some of very interesting socio-political events of the country witnessed by Ziauddin. Some of those include: Censorship under Gen. Zia, Marshal law and Benazir’s entry, Junejo and the Geneva accord, riots at the US Cultural Center, meetings with Benazir, Mushrraf era and political tactics by Zardari.
October 03, 2024: Veteran journalists condemn threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure his safety and protect press freedom.
September 30, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned an attack on journalists in Karachi by religious party workers, calling for an FIR and immediate arrests of the perpetrators.
September 30, 2024: Dr. Saadia Kamal has made history by becoming the first female president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ-Workers), a significant milestone for her career and Pakistani journalism. Learn about her exceptional journey, years of service, leadership in various media roles, and dedication to ethical journalism.
September 28, 2024: The winners of the Pakistan RTI Quiz Contest 2024, organized by the Pakistan Information Commission and the Press Network of Pakistan, have been announced. Promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, the quiz highlighted the importance of the Right to Information and citizen empowerment.
September 28, 2024: Explore the alarming rise of online trolling and harassment faced by women journalists in Pakistan, highlighting recent cases involving anchors like Shiffa Z. Yousafzai and Asma Chaudhry. This article delves into the societal challenges these women encounter and the urgent need for action against online abuse
September 27, 2024: TV anchor Shiffa Z. Yousafzai has refuted false rumors about her marriage, calling attention to the harassment working women face in a male-dominated society. She urges social media platforms to remove false content and calls people to stand against such targeting.
September 26, 2024: The Information Department Lahore has issued letters to cancel the declarations of numerous newspapers in Punjab, sparking concerns about press freedom, particularly in South Punjab. The delayed notification has raised questions about transparency and the future of local journalism.
September 26, 2024: A UN expert calls on Kenyan and Pakistani authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the 2022 killing of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif, following a historic ruling by the Kenyan High Court deeming the killing unlawful and disproportionate.
October 02, 2024 Cambodian investigative journalist Mech Dara was arrested on incitement charges by military police. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calls for his immediate release, urging Cambodia’s new leadership to respect press freedom.
September 25, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the Israeli forces' raid on Al Jazeera's office in Ramallah, which resulted in a 45-day closure and the obstruction of reporting during critical times. CPJ emphasizes the importance of allowing journalists to report freely, especially amid ongoing conflicts.
September 25, 2024 Journalist Hadi Al-Sayed, working with Al Mayadeen Media Network, was killed after an Israeli airstrike hit his home in southern Lebanon. He is the fourth journalist to be killed by Israel since October 7, raising global concerns over the safety of journalists in conflict zones. Press unions demand justice and accountability for the targeted attacks.
September 24, 2024 Broadcast journalist Salman Ali Khan was fatally shot by unknown assailants in Madhya Pradesh, India. The IFJ and IJU demand a thorough investigation into the killing. Khan is the third journalist killed in India in 2024, raising concerns over media safety.
September 23, 2024 Explore the rising voices of independent media in Africa, their impact on democracy, and the challenges they face. Discover how these journalists are shaping narratives and empowering communities across the continent.