PML-N support for Razi Dada sparks political and ethnic divide

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 2 months ago |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s decision to back journalist Rizwan Razi, popularly known as Razi Dada, has ignited a sharp political and ethnic debate on X. The controversy follows Razi’s apology for derogatory remarks against the people of Sindh.

On Thursday, Sindh’s Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Memon, criticized the PML-N, saying he was saddened to see the party supporting “a sick man.” He warned, “This is a negative message for Sindh province,” while posting the viral video in which Razi mocked Sindhis.

Razi, known for his biting commentary, triggered outrage with a YouTube vlog on water and floods where he crudely likened Sindhis to monkeys. Though he later issued a halfhearted apology, the backlash intensified. Pakistan Television (PTV) first suspended him and then terminated his services.

Last week, Razi tendered an unconditional apology before the Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges. However, the committee rejected it and directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block his YouTube channel.

Despite this, several journalists, including Umar Cheema and Azaz Syed, expressed solidarity with Razi. Others, however, shared clips of his past videos to highlight repeated ethnic slurs in his commentary.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz defended Razi, arguing that once an apology is made, continuing to target him reflects prejudice.

Sharjeel Memon countered that PML-N’s support was a tactic to deflect from its “poor performance” in handling Punjab’s floods, blaming the government’s “inexperience and worst strategy” for public suffering.

The dispute has fueled a hashtag war. #SindhStandsWithPakistan, pushed by PPP leaders and supporters, condemned PML-N’s stance and circulated Razi’s offensive video. Meanwhile, #PunjabStandsWithRaziDada trended in response, criticizing Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi for refusing to accept Razi’s apology. Unfortunately, much of the online content under both hashtags has only deepened political and ethnic divides.