Journalists become targets of insecurity due to political affiliation
Journalism is severely affected by the ongoing political polarization in the country. In the last few years, the media in Pakistan has been badly divided due to the ongoing political crisis in the country. Media houses appear to be competing with each other in verbal attacks against their opponents, which is affecting journalism, and some journalists are also becoming victims of insecurity. It seems that journalism and journalists have become rare in Pakistan. The audience now sees journalists advocating for some political party. It seems unbelievable that any journalist says he does not support any political party.
Looking at any journalist’s Twitter account, one can easily guess which political party he supports. Journalists becoming politically affiliated face many disadvantages and need maximum security. They start receiving death threats from opponents and face harassment. The difference between politicians and journalists is that politicians often seek majority support, while journalists seek the truth. If a politician or institution presents lies as truth, the job of an impartial journalist is to investigate the news and bring the truth to the public. Every journalist wants to be close to politicians or other circles to access inside news. Still, on the other hand, impartiality is the most significant and original capital of a journalist in front of the public. Although journalists who do not remain impartial often pay with their lives.
Mazhar Abbas, senior columnist of Geo News, says, “Look, the job of journalism is to find a news story and give it to a newspaper or TV channel without including one’s own opinion. If someone analyzes a politician or political party, it is their own opinion, a point of view. Many people also criticize political parties and politicians on different TV shows, pointing out their good and bad. Because it is also the job of an analyst, but it is not necessary that what the analyst said is right; it can also be wrong.”
He further said, “I do not say that journalists should not talk about politics, but politics, democracy, and journalism are pillars where there is politics, there will be democracy and journalism. But then there are also some principles of doing journalism. When a journalist becomes politically affiliated, it becomes difficult for him to protect himself. His life is in danger. Without protection, he cannot go anywhere.
Source: News lens
” 
” 
” 
” 
” 
