JournalismPakistan.com | Published September 23, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—As PMLN Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed anger over a tweet by Gharidah Farooqi, the journalist said the opposition party’s social media trolls attacked her.
In a tweet in Urdu, Gharidah talked about Maryam opposing the meeting of the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif with the army chief and the ISI chief. However, she also pointed out that PMLN leader Ahsan Iqbal termed the meeting a routine matter, saying such meetings were normal everywhere else in the world.
It did not sit well with the vice president, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In a tweet, she told Gharida: "Do not try to act smart and play nasty. I gave a principled statement which is in line with what our constitution says. Don't make it sound like it was directed at our party president or any specific member."
The journalist retorted: "Play nasty? To a journalist? Pl don't attack journalists for telling what fact says. No, Maryam sba, this is exactly what your statement says@means in all entirety. You were questioned about "all and everyone" & you responded about "all and everyone" including all members of PMLN."
After this, the journalist said PMLN trolls attacked her. "And a barrage of attacks on me by PMLN accounts (after Maryam sba this tweet) All followed by Maryam Nawaz sba & PMLN. May I pls ask if this is the party policy & ask about the party Social Media CoC, w/o being called 'nasty' We are not safe from ANYONE just to do/say our job."
Interestingly, the two main opposition parties—PMLN and PPP—stood with women journalists against online harassment, allegedly from the supporters of the ruling PTI.
On Wednesday, during a court hearing, Maryam Nawaz categorically opposed meetings over political issues in General Headquarters (GHQ). The meeting with the army and ISI chiefs was attended by Shahbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with other political leaders, including the representatives of the government.
Photo: Twitter (@GFarooqi)
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.