Suhail Warraich defends his new book's cover

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published September 16, 2020

ISLAMABAD—Journalist Suhail Warraich on Tuesday defended the title of his new book, saying it only depicts the cartoonist's impression of the political situation.

In an interview with VOA, he said the government and some state institutions did not like the cover. The title shows the army chief as a dominant figure with Prime Minister Imran Khan playing at his feet and is shown as a child. The opposition looks on wistfully from the window.

The book—Yeh company nahin chalay gi—is a compilation of Warriach's published columns. It was withdrawn from bookstores over its controversial cover.   

"The government thought it demeaned the office of the prime minister while the state institutions insist why they have been even mentioned," he said. "The cartoonist has a view. When it is said that we (the government and the military) are on the same page, it does not matter if someone is up and someone is down."

He added that it only captured the political narrative that the government and the military are on one page while the opposition is hopelessly looking on. "When a situation is depicted in a cartoon, obviously it is exaggerated."

Warraich maintained that the PTI government had restricted freedom to expression. "We, on the other hand, demand more and more freedom of expression. It will help society to be creative."

He said he was not saying that the government would go home immediately. "But I do think that the way this government is governing the country, the way it is running the economy, I don't think it can go on." 

Photo: Twitter (@suhailswarraich)

Freedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report

 April 30, 2025:  Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.

Dawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric

 April 30, 2025:  Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.

India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack

 April 28, 2025:  India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.

Coordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows

 April 23, 2025:  Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.

Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion

 April 21, 2025:  After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.

Journalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families

 April 21, 2025:  Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.

A launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm'

 April 20, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 April 11, 2025:  Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.