Journalists react to generals' presser

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published October 27, 2022

ISLAMABAD—The unprecedented presser by two senior officers of the Pakistan Army on Thursday left journalists bitterly divided.

For the first time in Pakistan's history, Director General of ISI Lt. Gen. Nadeem Ahmed Anjum and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Lt. Gen. Babar Iftikhar held a press talk on the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif and the alleged confrontational narrative of former Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding the military.  

Cyril Almeida, formerly of Dawn newspaper, came up with short and cryptic tweets. In one of the tweets, he said the former prime minister had won. In another, he simply said: "Liar, liar, pants on fire…"

In yet another tweet, he added: "IK is no democrat, Shahbaz craven, Nawaz ditched his politics, Zardari always on the look out for a deal - and yet the boys managed to screw this up epically..."

On the other hand, Muneeb Farooq of Geo News went along with the words of the army generals. In several tweets, he said the two officers destroyed the narrative of Imran Khan. "Pakistan Army Finally Says "Enough Is Enough." No more nonsense will be tolerated. Completely destroys PTI's & Imran Khan's narrative on Cipher & Arshad Sharif Sb's Tragic Death."

Anchor Moeed Pirzada was not impressed by the press conference. "With Apologies to DG ISPR, DGI & Gen. Bajwa, this press conference was as intelligent & credible as that of Faisal Vawda! Creating doubts about ARY, Salman Iqbal & Imran Khan about Arshad Sharif's gruesome murder is like blaming Bhutto for surrender in Dacca! Forgot to blame RAW?"

Senior journalist and analyst Mazhar Abbas feared tough days ahead for the former prime minister. "Tough days ahead for former PM Imran Khan after the unusual and unprecedented Presser of #DGISPR and DG ISI for the first time. How IK will response to sharp in-swinging yorker as things are  getting serious in both Arshad Sharif case as well as IK's offer to the chief."

Journalist Imran Riaz Khan wondered why a presser by the senior military generals was against a political leader and party. He added this perhaps has happened for the first time in Pakistan's history.

Hamid Mir of Geo News thought that the DG ISI and DG ISPR took no names but also made no secret that they were talking about the former prime minister.

Anchor Asma Chaudhry, however, maintained that Imran Khan is winning the battle of nerves.

Veteran journalist Mariana Babar found DG ISI "very impressive." But on the other hand, Kamran Yousaf likened DG ISI's speaking style to that of the late actor Mohammad Ali.  

Marvi Sirmed felt that the former prime minister had put the military leadership under pressure like no one else in Pakistan's history and feared he might be arrested. "The fact that DG ISI had to join @OfficialDGISPR in a houseful of a presser to defend their institution proves how effective Imran Khan's pressure tactics have been. No other politician would ever creep under generals' skin like this. Next we might hear he has been arrested."

Photo credit: Dawn

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 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.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

 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.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

 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.

Noorani’s missing brothers: Court orders IG to produce individuals

 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.

Journalist Farhan Mallick granted bail

 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.

Ghulam Abbas Shah joins Discover Pakistan as Head of Programming

 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.

PFUJ condemns Pakistani journalists' visit to Israel as an ethical violation

 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.

Can films fight terrorism? Dawn raises doubts

 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?