Pakistan, which is reeling under worst economic turmoil and humanitarian crisis, has once again displayed its intolerance towards a journalist who asked its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about the dismal state of media in the country. According to a report in The Express Tribune, journalist Azam Chowdhary, who was also the president of the Lahore Press Club, was promptly sacked by the state-run PTV after he criticized Sharif for “reducing the space for freedom of expression” and the media in Pakistan. Asked about Ankush.
Pakistani media quoted Chaudhary as saying that after the PM’s press conference at the governor’s house, the journalist was immediately fired. Chowdhary was informed that “he is no longer with PTV”, and was off-air from the program which he was supposed to record from the venue. He further said that till now nothing has been given to him in writing.
Dar ironically claims his government supports journalists
During the press briefing, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar ironically claimed his government supported journalists who cover news that was generally “critical” of the current regime. He stressed that “anyone” could participate in the conference, regardless of media affiliation or ideology.
He claimed, “The previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government used to invite only select journalists to its media interactions.” was kept out of the press.
Government rejects claims
Meanwhile, dismissing the claims, Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb on Tuesday said that the journalist was never an employee of the state broadcaster. “He is and has been a member of the issue-based analyst pool for PTV only. He has not been removed from this pool nor has he been asked to leave. No such thing has been told to them,” he said.
“Unlike the previous PTI government and its fascist PM, who was declared a press freedom predator by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), PM Shehbaz Sharif and the current government strongly believe in media freedom. The PTI government only allows select journalists and reporters For the press conference of its fascist prime minister. The present government ensures that the press conference of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is open to all journalists and journalists,” he added.
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