JournalismPakistan.com
May 23, 2023

ISLAMABAD—Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has come under criticism from journalists and media practitioners following her insensitive comments about well-known journalist and vlogger Imran Riaz Khan, who has been missing for nearly two weeks.

She made the remarks during her conversation with Channel4News correspondent Secunder Kermani.

During the discussion, the minister drew a distinction between journalists and those who have joined political parties, highlighting that Imran Riaz Khan is now a political party spokesperson. She argued that there should be a clear differentiation between journalists who adhere to the principles of true journalism and those who incite violence as party representatives.

However, her statements did not sit well with several journalists, who found her remarks callous and dismissive.

Prominent journalist Matiullah Jan expressed disappointment over the minister's response, stating on Twitter, "It is shameful to justify a possible enforced disappearance by questioning someone's journalistic status. Thankfully, the missing individual has not been dehumanized. The minister could have easily discussed government efforts to locate and ensure the safety of a Pakistani citizen."

Raza Rumi, a well-known journalist, author, and analyst, emphasized that regardless of one's profession or political affiliations, the case of Imran Riaz Khan's disappearance calls for adherence to due process. Rumi asserted that the government and relevant agencies should promptly produce Imran Riaz Khan in a court of law, allowing him to defend himself.

Adnan Aamir, a contributing writer for Nikkei Asia and Editor of Balochistan Voices, strongly criticized the minister's statement, deeming it indefensible. He stressed that it is not the government's role to determine who qualifies as a journalist but rather to safeguard the rights of all individuals. Aamir further noted the failure of the Pakistan Muslim League-N to learn from history.

In response to the criticism, Marriyum Aurangzeb highlighted the actions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whom she referred to as a media predator. She contrasted this with the Shehbaz Sharif government, claiming that media freedom in Pakistan improved by seven points in eight months under his leadership.

The minister pointed out that during the previous administration, journalists were arrested, silenced, and numerous programs, screens, and channels were shut down. She asserted that all channels and anchors currently have the freedom to express their opinions, and she challenged anyone to name a missing journalist, claiming there are none.

The remarks made by the information minister have ignited a debate on journalistic freedom, the treatment of individuals with political affiliations, and the government's responsibility to protect all citizens' rights. As the case of Imran Riaz Khan's disappearance unfolds, many call for transparency and adherence to due process to ensure justice is served.