When talk shows turn battlegrounds: The ugly face of Pakistani TV

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 10 months ago |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—Pakistani television talk shows have increasingly devolved into arenas of chaos, as heated political debates frequently escalate into physical confrontations. The latest incident, which unfolded on BOL News’s "Aisay Nahin Chalay Ga," exemplifies this troubling trend. It featured Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) representative Ikhtiar Wali and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) spokesperson Naeem Haider Panjutha in a shocking display of verbal abuse and physical violence.

The scuffle began when Wali’s remarks about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s alleged illegitimate daughter provoked Panjutha, who retaliated with insults targeting Punjab’s Chief Minister. A brawl involving slaps and punches ensued, with the show’s host, Dr. Fiza Khan, helplessly shouting, “Please do not do this.”

The fallout of this incident, captured in viral video clips, has sparked debate, with many blaming both the participants and the channel for failing to maintain decorum. Scenes of overturned chairs and dislodged equipment starkly symbolize the disarray within the media landscape.

A Pattern of Violence on Air

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated occurrence. Similar episodes of misconduct have plagued Pakistani talk shows over the years:

June 2021: Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan slapped PPP’s Qadir Khan Mandokhel during a heated argument on Express News’s "Kal Takk."

March 2022: Shahbaz Gill used abusive language against Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani on Dunya News TV, drawing sharp criticism for the anchor’s lack of intervention.

September 2022: Sher Afzal Khan Marwat attacked PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan during a live debate.

June 2019: PTI’s Masroor Ali Sial physically attacked journalist Imtiaz Khan Faran on a live show.

June 2016: Activist Marvi Sirmed faced verbal abuse and an attempted assault by JUIF’s Hafiz Hamdullah on News One TV.

These incidents reflect the polarized political climate in Pakistan and a disturbing lack of professionalism in televised debates.

Implications for Media Ethics

The repercussions of such incidents extend beyond the immediate participants. They undermine the credibility of media outlets and erode public trust. Talk shows are meant to foster dialogue and inform viewers, not to become spectacles of aggression. When physical altercations occur, they shift focus from substantive issues to sensationalism, leaving audiences disillusioned.

What TV Channels Must Do

Media houses must take urgent steps to prevent such disgraceful incidents:

• Stricter Guest Selection: Ensure guests are vetted for their ability to engage in constructive discourse.
• Robust Moderation: Empower hosts to enforce decorum with clear protocols for managing conflicts.
• Code of Conduct: Establish and publicize a zero-tolerance policy for abusive language and physical aggression.
• Pre-show Briefings: Educate participants on acceptable behavior and the consequences of misconduct.
• Security Measures: Deploy security personnel to intervene quickly if situations escalate.

The Way Forward

While political tensions are unlikely to dissipate overnight, media outlets bear the responsibility of setting a higher standard. By fostering a culture of respect and professionalism, they can reclaim their role as platforms for meaningful dialogue rather than arenas for political brawls.