JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 29, 2024 at 07:40 pm | JP Special Report
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—In a distressing display of unethical journalism, Suno TV has come under fire for broadcasting a smear campaign against senior journalist Matiullah Jan, who was abducted in Islamabad and later controversially arrested earlier this week.
The channel in a 'breaking news' labeled Jan as a "self-proclaimed YouTuber," presenting allegations about his personal and professional background, including claims that he was expelled from the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in 1988 for poor performance and bad character. Suno TV further claimed that Jan's alleged dismissal from the academy left him with lingering guilt and psychological issues, citing unverifiable "documents" and unnamed sources to bolster its narrative.
This propaganda raises critical questions about the ethical responsibility of media outlets in Pakistan. Matiullah Jan, a respected journalist known for his fearless reporting on sensitive issues, was abducted under dubious circumstances and subsequently arrested on controversial charges. Instead of focusing on the legal and human rights aspects of his case, Suno TV chose to malign his reputation by airing defamatory content.
The timing of this smear campaign is particularly troubling. Jan's abduction and arrest have already raised alarms among press freedom advocates. By targeting him with such sensational reporting, Suno TV appears to undermine journalistic solidarity and embolden forces that seek to suppress independent voices in the country.
Media ethics demand that journalists and media organizations exercise caution and integrity, particularly when covering issues involving press freedom and human rights. Yet, Suno TV's actions reflect the growing trend of gutter journalism in Pakistan, where sensationalism often takes precedence over truth and accountability.
Press freedom organizations have condemned Jan's abduction and arrest as a blatant attack on independent journalism. This smear campaign not only adds insult to injury but also distracts from the urgent need for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jan's detention.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has also raised concerns about such practices, warning that the misuse of media platforms to malign journalists threatens the credibility of the profession as a whole.
As Matiullah Jan remains in custody, his supporters and advocates for press freedom urge the authorities to uphold the principles of justice and ensure his safety. Meanwhile, Suno TV's smear campaign stands as a grim reminder of the ethical decay within segments of the country's media landscape.
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.
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.
July 13, 2024: In a blatant display of media censorship, Suno TV blurred images of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on a scarf worn by PTI leader Zartaj Gul during a talk show. This incident adds to the growing list of censorship cases in Pakistani media, raising concerns about freedom of expression and media integrity.
June 11, 2025 Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025 Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025 Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025 The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025 The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.