‘Hamid Mir Kahani’ launched

Veteran columnists lauded the journalistic efforts of TV anchor Hamid Mir at the launching ceremony of Ziaul Haq Naqshbandi’s book ‘Hamid Mir Kahani’ on Sunday. The book was a compilation of interviews of internationally famed personalities conducted by Hamid. Senior columnists Munno Bhai, Pakistan Today Editor Arif Nizami, Irfan Siddiqui, Ataul Haq Qasmi, Orya Maqbool Jan and Sohail Warraich spoke at the occasion and acknowledged Hamid’s role in upholding high journalistic standards but hardly anyone commented on Naqshbandi’s book. Nizami complimented Hamid’s standing in journalistic circles saying, “It is hard for a plant to grow under the shade of an oversized tree, Hamid Mir and I share the same dilemma being sons of veteran journalists”. He said that an honest journalist should not compromise over his words and Hamid proved himself as truthful and honest. Qasmi also praised Hamid saying that unlike many other journalists, he always had kept dishonesty at an arm’s length. The columnist said that sometimes the TV anchor mixed disinformation with information but this was the media’s demand. Munno Bhai said that Hamid was lucky enough to be alive, as we live in a society where those knowing too much were killed. Hamid’s father Waris Mir was also murdered by slow poisoning, Munno Bhai said. Hamid Mir thanked the speakers for their compliments and highlighted how young journalists should behave. He admitted that journalists, including him, presented a blend of truth and lie to do their business and said that judiciary was also not totally independent, as it could not recover missing persons. Hamid said that it was the responsibility of journalists in Punjab, especially Lahore, to raise their voice for Balochs, as they were victims of abuse.