JournalismPakistan.com | Published April 20, 2014 | Daud Malik
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD: Amid condemnations and calls for unity following Saturday's attack on television anchor Hamid Mir, the Pakistani media stood bitterly divided.
Initially most of the TV channels remained focused on the attack but some acted as if nothing had happened, telling viewers every small detail about former military ruler Pervez Musharraf’s departure to Karachi.
The matters became bitter and murkier when ISI and its chief were blamed for the attack. In a way it took the focus away from the incident to the debate on how quickly the top intelligence agency was blamed and how the 'disclosure' would be used by the international media.
It also led to bitter exchange of tweets. Soon after the attack when Umer Cheema, a journalist with The News tweeted “#IAmHamidMir #IAmHamidMir #IAmHamidMir #IAmHamidMir #IAmHamidMir #IAmHamidMir #IAmHamidMir #IAmHamidMir #IAmHamidMir #IAmHamidMir, Pyara Pakistani replied: “@UmarCheema1 #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI #IamISI.”
In a dig at Geo TV’s claim that Hamid Mir had informed in writing if something happened to him, ISI and its chief would be responsible, a tweet in Urdu by Kamaliandaa said: “Agar mujay kuch huwa tau amreeki sadar Obama zimadar ho gay, meray amreeka kay saath gharay ikhtalafat hain. Gharib Pakistani” (If something happened to me, American President Obama will be responsible as I have strong disagreements with America. A poor Pakistani.”
This tweet was retweeted by Sheikh Rashid Ahmed who blamed Hamid Mir’s program on the eve of by-polls in NA-55 in 2010 for his defeat.
On the one extreme are the people like Zaid Hamid who are tweeting to call for “nailing” Geo TV for defamation. In a vituperative tweet, Zaid said: “Shot at in Karachi. That is sad, very sad. Dear God, pl dont make him a hero. I want him to be put on trial first & then hanged!”
ExpressNews TV initially did not report the attack on Hamid Mir but The Express Tribune newspaper harshly criticized Jang Group for attempting to malign ISI. The paper maintained: “By attacking the country’s premier intelligence agency with such force, Geo TV has not just damaged a national institution, but also undermined the safety and security of Pakistan.”
On the other hand, The News in an aggressive editorial – A Voice Attacked – hailed Hamid Mir for his bold journalism, especially for highlighting the plight of missing Baloch people and quoting his brother Amir Mir again blamed ISI for hatching a plot to “eliminate him….”
The paper reminded the readers about the investigation into the murder of journalist Saleem Shahzad whose tortured body was recovered from Mandi Bahuddin on May 31, 2011 after he went missing from Islamabad.
"The last time the intelligence agencies were accused of targeting a journalist, Saleem Shahzad, the resulting inquiry was a whitewash that didn’t answer any questions.” It called for keeping intelligence agencies away from the probe. “Any inquiry must be conducted by persons with a proven history of not being beholden to the intelligence agencies.”
The Express Tribune pointed out that one of Jang Group's known journalists had called for the resignation of ISI chief. In his comment published Sunday, Ansar Abbasi asked the ISI chief to step down “to protect the respect and sanctity of his institution, which is now burdened with the challenge of catching the real culprits.”
On The Express Tribune story, Dawn columnist Cyril Almeida tweeted on the “front page bile” and added: “Guess putting aside the rivalry didn't last v long...” Similarly for Dawn’s Zarrar Khuhro, the story was the perfect case of “editor proposes management disposes.”
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.
April 03, 2025: Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.
April 02, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.
March 30, 2025: Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.
March 28, 2025 Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.