JournalismPakistan.com | Published July 13, 2024 at 05:19 pm | JP Staff Reporter
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD — In yet another instance of escalating media censorship in Pakistan, Suno Television blurred images of former Prime Minister Imran Khan featured on a scarf worn by PTI leader Zartaj Gul during the talk show "Buraks," hosted by Rana Mubashir.
A JournalismPakistan.com investigation revealed that the recorded program typically aired at 7:03 pm, experienced a delay of about six minutes as managers at the Lahore headquarters decided on a course of action regarding the controversial images. The program was divided into two segments, with Zartaj Gul appearing in the first half and Saira Bano, a former member of the National Assembly, featuring in the second half.
Interestingly, no one in the studio noticed the images during the recording. It wasn't until the footage was sent to Lahore that the alarm was raised. After losing crucial prime-time minutes, the program finally aired with the images of Imran Khan blurred.
This incident underscores an unwritten ban on mentioning Imran Khan or showing his images, leading to absurd decisions by television channels to avoid repercussions.
In July of last year, ARY News similarly blurred Imran Khan’s image during his meeting with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) representative, rendering his face unrecognizable while leaving his feet visible. In another instance, during "The Pavilion" talk show on A Sports in October 2023, a question regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan went unanswered. Fakhr-e-Alam, the program's host, read the question in English without naming Imran Khan, who famously captained Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team. The show featured Wasim Akram, Moin Khan, Misbahul Haq, and Shoaib Malik.
February 26, 2025: An in-depth analysis of the Punjab Government's excessive self-promotion through media, costing taxpayers millions while masquerading propaganda as achievements.
February 25, 2025: The Punjab government faces criticism for spending millions in taxpayer money on misleading front-page advertisements across major Pakistani newspapers, raising serious questions about media integrity and public resource management.
January 23, 2025: An in-depth look at the recent scuffle on a Pakistani talk show, its implications for media ethics, and the urgent need for TV channels to uphold decorum during debates.
December 18, 2024: A critical examination of dangerous medical misinformation broadcast on Pakistan Television, exposing how political propaganda can potentially harm cancer patients by spreading false treatment narratives.
December 17, 2024: Geo News faces criticism after a homophobic tweet targeting Richard Grenell, a Trump advisor advocating for Imran Khan's release, which was subsequently deleted.
November 29, 2024: Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.
August 17, 2024: A viral video exposes a shocking reality about Pakistani media, where fake news circulates unchecked. The clip, featuring a false report on the arrest of former IG of Jails, Shahid Saleem, highlights the pervasive issue of yellow journalism and raises questions about news credibility.
July 25, 2024: Dr. Omar Adil's sexist remarks against female journalists, including Gharidah Farooqi, have ignited widespread criticism, calling for full accountability and stronger actions against misogynistic language in the industry.
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.
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.
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.
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
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.