JournalismPakistan.com | Published December 25, 2024 at 02:44 pm | JP Staff Report
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—In an extraordinary display that has set social media ablaze, veteran Pakistani journalist Nusrat Javeed transformed his prime-time news show into an unexpected spectacle, complete with Punjabi outbursts and impromptu dancing, highlighting the increasingly bizarre turn in Pakistan's media landscape.
During his program "Khabar Nashar" on Public News, Javeed abandoned conventional broadcasting norms, switching to Punjabi to deliver a heated response to PTI leader Shahbaz Gill. "Oye Shahbaz Gill," he declared, recounting his four-year television ban following Imran Khan's rise to power. "I survived then, and now that you're in America, what can you do? In the end, you had to run away."
The seasoned journalist's unusual performance reached its peak when he broke into a seated dance, singing "karnail nei, gernail ne... (and now)... grenell ne, grenell ne," seemingly mocking the involvement of Richard Grenell, Donald Trump's special envoy, in Pakistani politics.
The incident was sparked by Gill's earlier tweet condemning both Geo TV's controversial post about Grenell's sexual orientation and Javeed's alleged comments about Tulsi Gabbard, an American politician, having "fallen in love" with Imran Khan. The situation escalated when journalists began tagging Grenell in posts featuring Javeed's performance, with one noting, "Richard, our senior journalist has gone mad in your obsession."
This bizarre episode reflects the growing tensions in Pakistan's media sphere, particularly surrounding Richard Grenell's vocal support for imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The incident has transformed from a serious political discourse into what many call a media circus, with Javeed's performance becoming a symbol of the increasingly theatrical nature of Pakistani political commentary.
Social media reactions have been swift and polarized, with some viewing Javeed's behavior as unprofessional while others see it as a bold statement against political pressure. The video continues to circulate widely, adding another layer to the already complex narrative of media freedom and political expression in Pakistan.
As clips of the incident continue to spread across social platforms, the episode raises serious questions about the state of broadcast journalism in Pakistan and the increasingly blurred lines between news presentation and political theater. Whether Javeed's performance marks a new low in professional journalism or a creative form of protest remains a matter of heated debate among media observers and the public alike.
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.