JournalismPakistan.com | Published September 22, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—As journalist Ansar Abbasi sent an alert to the government on alleged obscenity on PTV through a tweet showing a workout by a woman accompanied by a male trainer, condemnation and support followed.
Abbasi attached a video clip of the workout with his tweet, with the appeal to Prime Minister Imran Khan, and his minister and advisor on information and broadcasting Shibli Faraz and Lt. Gen. (Retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa. "Mr PM @ImranKhanPTI this is PTV. @AsimSBajwa @shiblifaraz."
Soon it turned into a Twitter trend.
Mr PM @ImranKhanPTI this is PTV. @AsimSBajwa @shiblifaraz pic.twitter.com/hpoTxEF4TJ
— Ansar Abbasi (@AnsarAAbbasi) September 21, 2020
Minister for Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhry was scathing in condemning the journalist. "If even an exercise session and women picture on advertisement boards makes you feel amorous, you really need psychic therapy and advice…"
Nida Kirmani thought Abbasi had got a sick mind. "Only someone with a sick mind would imply that a video of a woman exercising is in some way inappropriate. Seek psychological counselling, and in the meantime stop watching television or leaving your house for that matter."
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, daughter of Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari, maintained the tweet by Abbasi shows sickness in Pakistani society. "Ansar Abbasi sahab objecting to a woman exercising reflects the deeply embedded sickness in our society. The objective is simple: invisibilize women. They dont want women doing anything: working, studying.. apparently not even exercising. Only problem is them & their sick minds."
Former editor of Dawn, Abbas Nasir supported PTV for showing a female workout. "I agree. Well done PTV. We should have more fitness programmes. Will cut weight, blood pressure and heart problems just to mention a few."
Maria Memon of ARY News did not see any indecency in the clip. "The way I see it, PTV is teaching women basic home workout routine so they can take care of their health."
However, there was also support for Abbasi.
Saman Khan tweeted: "Ansar Abbasi He has correctly pin poited towards one of the root causes of rape incidents. this problem must be addressed. Pemra needs to take action now."
Muhammad bin Farooq thought the journalist has pointed towards an important issue. "Ansar Abbasi has paid attention to a very important issue as a journalist. Criticism of secular and liberal minds has started since this morning. Keep it up @AnsarAAbbasi."
Still, others made fun. A tongue in cheek tweet by Waqas pointed out, "We did not need this information but now we have it. We now know what turns Ansar Abbasi on."
Hasan Kamal in this tweet wondered about "any chance jang group can find someone to clean ansar abbasi's filthy mind."
Photo: Twitter (@AnsarAAbbasi)
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.