Many media outlets not openly discussing allegations of rigging, says FN head
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 3 August 2018
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Iqbal Khattak expressed concern over media self-censorship regarding the July 25 election results. He noted that many political parties are not receiving adequate coverage.Summary
ISLAMABAD - Iqbal Khattak, head of Freedom Network, has said that many media outlets are exercising self-censorship and not openly discussing the July 25 election results, especially the allegations of rigging.
“The political parties which are claiming rigging are not getting coverage on private TV channels,” Khattak told VoA. “Most TV channels are exercising self-censorship.”
The Freedom Network is a Pakistan-based media and development sector watchdog working to protect freedom of expression, including freedom of the press and Internet, and access to information.
He claimed that except for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf other political parties are not getting the coverage. “For critics, PTI is the favorite party of the army.”
He added that a number of journalists are using Facebook and Twitter where they are saying that they face hurdles in working professionally. “Censorship leads to doubt and disappointment.”
Photo: Twitter (@khattak63)
KEY POINTS:
- Freedom Network head Iqbal Khattak criticizes media for self-censorship.
- Allegations of rigging in the July 25 election are not widely discussed.
- Only Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf is receiving significant media attention.
- Journalists report facing hurdles while trying to work professionally.
- Censorship is leading to public doubt and disappointment.
