JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 04, 2024 at 08:13 pm | JP Staff Report
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—In a hard-hitting statement, journalist Asad Toor has openly criticized Pakistan’s investigative journalists, accusing them of abandoning journalistic ethics and siding with the establishment. Known for his unfiltered opinions, Toor directed his frustration at what he described as "low-ranked Pakistani journalists," referring to them as "touts of the establishment." He has publicly challenged them to conduct investigative reporting on the recent kidnapping of Intezar Hussain Panjutha, a prominent lawyer for former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Panjutha, who was abducted and later found severely beaten and tortured, is a high-profile figure connected to Khan's ongoing legal battles. Toor's challenge to the media has sparked debate, with his video clip spreading rapidly across social media, where he declared, "If these journalists have any self-respect, they should do investigative shows on who abducted Panjotha and where was he kept."
According to Toor, media figures occupying prime spots on television have prioritized establishment narratives over independent reporting. "Let's see what these so-called investigative journalists do now," he added, further criticizing their apparent complacency and accusing them of working off pre-determined scripts.
This recent call-out by Toor taps into growing frustrations over the lack of journalistic freedom in Pakistan. Many view Toor's statements as a reflection of an underlying issue within the industry: the perceived suppression of voices. While some journalists push for transparency and unbiased reporting, Toor's statements highlight that those occupying influential roles within the media may lack the independence to do so.
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.