PM Imran Khan's media talk during Naran visit censored

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 1 July 2021

During his visit to Naran, PM Imran Khan faced tough questions from journalists regarding development and support for earthquake victims. His responses drew criticism and highlighted ongoing issues in KP.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Imran Khan's media talk with journalists during his recent visit to Naran was censored and went on air an entire day after the PM's visit, Geo News reported.

One of the "problematic" questions asked by journalists was about the compensation money promised to the victims of the October 5, 2008 earthquake in northern Pakistan which flattened Balakot. More than 12 years later, the earthquake survivors are still struggling to rebuild their lives. Some still live in shelters. PM Khan was asked about this, but he reportedly answered that he "had no clue about it."

Another question was about the lack of infrastructure development in KP despite the PTI being in power in the province for eight years now. People want to visit the northern areas, but there has been little to no development and no new tourist spots have been opened, asked a journalist.

Geo News raised a question about the dysfunctional role of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation in developing tourism despite the PTDC taking over all the guest houses of the northern areas and the premier making statements countless times about tourism being the key to developing Pakistan's economy.

Khan was also asked about the KP public's sentiments of feeling ignored and neglected as compared to Punjab. To this, PM Khan didn't give much of a response and instead directed the conversation towards the KP CM, saying that he was doing a great job.

PM Khan, accompanied by KP Chief Minister Mehmood Khan and KP Governor Shah Farman, was visiting the town in upper Kaghan Valley to inaugurate various tourism-related projects.