Pakistan - Journalists protest Imran Khan’s harsh words

Journalists protested outside Chief Minister House on Thursday against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairperson Imran Khan and his defamatory attitude towards a TV reporter. On the directives of Khyber Union of Journalists (KHUJ), the demonstrators walked from Peshawar Press Club to CM House and condemned Imran’s harsh behaviour. They shouted slogans like, ‘Go Imran Go,’ and also demanded the PTI chief apologise to the reporter publicly and take back his “defamatory words”.

Addressing participants at the protest, KHUJ President Nisar Mehmood said Imran should not have used unkind words for the journalist. Mehmood was referring to Imran’s reaction to a reporter questioning his recent divorce. Mehmood said the entire community frowned upon Imran’s action and if he did not apologise and take back his words, the journalists will continue their protest. He also condemned the brutal killing of Tank-based journalist Zaman Mehsud and demanded the government immediately arrest the people involved in the murder. “Journalists should have freedom of speech,” he said. On the occasion, Peshawar Press Club General Secretary Fida Adeel said Imran is a public figure and people are interested in his personal life. “Since PTI publicly announced Imran Khan and Reham’s divorce, it did not remain such a personal matter after all,” he said.

Adeel added journalists had a right to pose questions to public figures and if the latter did not wish to reveal answers, a simple statement like, “Sorry, no comments on this topic,” should suffice. “Using this kind of language for journalists will ruin Imran Khan’s image,” he said. The general secretary also demanded Imran apologise to the journalist.

The past and present

Arif Yousafzai, the television reporter who was shut down by Imran Khan when he enquired about his recent divorce at CM House on Monday, said the aim of the protest was not to blame the PTI chief.  “I am a journalist and it is my right to ask questions at a press conference,” said Yousafzai. He urged Imran to apologise to him publicly. Earlier, an enraged Imran had said, “Those talking about someone’s personal life should be ashamed.”