Top ARY News official criticizes double-faced journalism

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 18 November 2025 |  JP Staff Report

Ammad Yousaf, President of ARY News, has condemned double-faced journalism in Pakistan. He calls for ethical standards and accountability in media reporting.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Ammad Yousaf, President of ARY News Television, has sharply criticized double-faced journalism in Pakistan, highlighting patterns of opportunism and hypocrisy in media reporting. His remarks come amid renewed debate over the 1843 magazine story – The Mystic, the Cricketer, and the Spy – which alleged that former first lady Bushra Bibi used black magic to influence then Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decisions. The 1843 magazine is managed by The Economist.

Prominent anchor Asma Shirazi claimed that she stands vindicated for her 2021 story, Kahani Baray Ghar Ki, which claimed that the then first lady was using black magic to influence the prime minister’s decision. However, when confronted on Saleem Safi’s talk show on Geo News, she denied that the story was about Bushra Bibi, adding she did not name anyone.

Allegations of Opportunism and Media Ambiguity

Yousaf criticized this kind of reporting, stating that some senior journalists exploit ambiguity to scandalize public figures while avoiding accountability. He added that when similar stories are covered internationally, some journalists claim credit but retreat behind denials when challenged. He warned that such practices erode public trust in journalism and create a culture where insinuations and half-truths are rewarded over verified reporting. Yousaf emphasized that the media should focus on accuracy and responsibility, rather than opportunistic coverage that prioritizes headlines over facts.

Media Ethics and Public Accountability

“Pakistan deserves better than hypocrites who thrive on ambiguity and play both sides to stay relevant,” Yousaf wrote in his X post. He described this behavior as opportunism rather than journalism, creating insinuations, celebrating convenient victories, and denying responsibility when confronted. He added that such practices undermine the credibility of the media, diminish public confidence, and distract from issues that genuinely matter. Yousaf stressed that journalists have a duty to uphold ethical standards, report with integrity, and prioritize accountability over personal gain or fleeting attention.

PHOTO: X (@AmmadYousaf)