BY: M. Ilyas
Islam Abad – The recent deportation of British journalist Charles Glass from Pakistan by the Federal Ministry of Interior is a stark indication of the severe pressure under which the Pakistani media operates. The silence from within the journalist community in Pakistan in response to this event is both deafening and telling, suggesting that the government exerts considerable control, stifling dissent and punishing those who dare to speak out against its actions. In a climate where any opposition is met with retribution, it is little wonder that media workers feel unable to raise their voices against government oppression and corruption. Newspapers that attempt to step out of line face severe repercussions, such as the abrupt cessation of government advertisements—a vital revenue stream for many publications. This economic stranglehold serves as an effective deterrent against journalistic freedom and integrity. The reaction, or lack thereof, from the international community is equally concerning. Miss Jane Marriott The British High Commissioner in Pakistan, herself a woman, has maintained a conspicuous silence on the deportation of her compatriot. The absence of a condemnation from the British government raises questions about the diplomatic and ethical stance of a nation that prides itself on championing free speech and human rights. The deportation of Charles Glass from Pakistan was conducted with a severity that would suggest he had committed a grave crime merely by his presence in the country. This draconian action has undoubtedly tarnished Pakistan’s international reputation. If the Pakistani government had nothing to hide, why was Charles, a respected journalist, expelled in such a manner? This heavy-handed response only serves to cast further doubt on the government’s transparency and motivations. The irony is palpable when we consider the historical context. Leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and their families, who fled Pakistan and sought refuge in Britain for years, were not forcibly returned despite repeated requests from Pakistani authorities. Now that the PML-N is back in power, they have swiftly moved to expel a British journalist, highlighting a glaring double standard. While millions of Pakistanis enjoy political asylum and the accompanying privileges in Britain, a solitary British journalist visiting Pakistan was treated with undue hostility and disrespect. The treatment of Charles Glass is not merely an isolated incident but a reflection of a broader, systemic issue. It exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Pakistan, who often risk their lives and livelihoods to report the truth. The international journalistic community’s response to this incident remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this act is inhumane and an affront to press freedom. The journalist community in Pakistan must find the courage to raise its voice against such injustices. When foreign media consistently highlight the persecution of journalists in Pakistan, it underscores the urgent need for solidarity and collective action within the local journalist community. Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of any democratic society. The deportation of Charles Glass is not just an attack on one individual but an attack on the very principles of free speech and journalistic independence. It is incumbent upon the media, both local and international, to stand united against such acts of oppression and to continue to advocate for a free and open press. Only through persistent and unified efforts can we hope to see a change in the oppressive policies that currently stifle journalistic freedom in Pakistan.
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