- Twin incidents against journalists cause protests
Amid the continuing narrative of increased constraints being imposed upon local media by ‘guardians’, both governmental and ghostly, a couple of disturbing incidents last week in Karachi led to journalists’ demonstrations and accusations. That the media is target of self-proclaimed censors’ ire worldwide is well-known, but the deed also carries an offensive odium, which not only harms the institution responsible for press-throttling, but ultimately damages the image of the country. The permanent or temporary ‘good riddance’ of ‘troublesome’ journalists anywhere instantly raises a hue and cry among international media watchdogs, and press muzzling carries no lesser condemnation. Freedom of expression, within constitutional and legal limits, defines an effective journalist fraternity, while the future of a vibrant democratic system is closely tied to healthy criticism, or barbs, as some would call them. The gruesome Jamal Khashoggi case is an extreme example of where press gagging can eventually lead to, whether ordered or not, the hands of unchecked individuals or institutions. Due process is hence the only acceptable way of dealing with ‘recalcitrant’ or ‘incorrigible’ hacks and anchors.
The first episode which rattled journalists was apparently the result of a terrible mix up, with anti-terrorism personnel (somewhat surprisingly) ending up in the wrong place, the Karachi Press Club, while seeking a nearby high value target, due to a technical hitch with their GSM locator. The latter point was somewhat cleared up by the Sindh government spokesman, but high-handed tactics employed by armed men during their short KPC stay last Thursday night, rudely interrupting a gathering of journalists and ordering them about, caused just indignation among the insulted media men, leading to country-wide protests. Of far greater significance was the allegedly related case of a senior journalist taken away from his residence on Saturday morning in the by now ‘familiar’ manner and ‘illegally detained’ at some undisclosed location, to the understandable distress of his family and entire journalist community. In case of any illegal activity, he should be presented before a court and formally charged. His worried spouse has reportedly also petitioned Sindh High Court for his whereabouts. Better sense must prevail, and rule of law followed in all such media cases, otherwise the end result would prove counter-productive.