(Disclaimer: this is a work of fiction. Learn to take a joke; you’ll live longer.)
ISLAMABAD – After Prime Minister Imran Khan shed light on various subjects of national importance including the state of the economy, civil-military relations and governance issues in a wide-ranging interview in front of a panel of mainstream journalists on Monday, the premier has decided to hold a follow up interview with journalists who have been critical of him and the state’s policies.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office made the announcement saying that the PM was up for the interview as soon as such a panel is formulated.
“Upholding principles of impartiality that he firmly believes in, Prime Minister Imran Khan will hold a follow up interview with journalists who have been critical of the state, the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf and/or state institutions as soon as these journalists find employment, asylum, or manage to escape abduction or prison,” the statement read.
Information Ministry officials confirmed that the themes of the follow-up interview would be similar to the one seen during Monday’s interview.
“The Prime Minister will discuss how we’re strengthening democracy, governance, rule of law, freedom of speech with these journalists as soon as they find the safe space outside the prison bars or in the possession of extra-judicial forces, – or at the very least have safety net of a full-time job in the media,” an official told The Dependent.
“The safest place would be in asylum in a foreign country, where these journalists would be able to ask their questions without fearing for their lives.”