Islamabad: (PPF) is alarmed by the disrespectful and dangerous remarks made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur against journalists, referring to them as “sell-outs” and particularly referring to women journalists. The provincial chief minister made the sweeping allegations before a crowd and directed them to identify and expose such journalists.

Gandapur’s political party, the Pakistan Tehreek i Insaf (PTI), has since apologized for his remarks; however, such allegations made at a public address are concerning, as they undermine the safety of journalists and bring into question their credibility.

In a public meeting on September 8 in the outskirts of Islamabad, Gandapur termed the media ” sell-outs.” He alleged that former prime minister Imran Khan and his party, the PTI, were mistreated, and the media didn’t say a word. 

“Identify these journalists. They take money and save those people who have stolen your money,” he alleged.  Gandapur rebuked such journalism, asking whether those who run campaigns against them [PTI] think they will blackmail them. He said the late Arshad Sharif and Imran Riaz Khan were examples of journalists who did not sell out. 

He then proceeded to mock “sold out journalists” particularly women journalists who see notes of money and then write. 

“I challenge you, say what you want, I will confront you, and the people of Pakistan will side with me,” he said, and addressing the crowd, told them to identify such people and expose them.

The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) urged the chief minister to apologize for his remarks. In a statement, shared by The News, AEMEND stated that journalists in the country were working under “unfavorable circumstances” and PTI should inquire Gandapur about his language against journalists.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said that Gandapur’s “foul language” for journalists “deemed unsympathetic to the PTI — and particularly his derogatory remarks about women journalists, ill-behoove a political leader and legislator.”

“Mr Gandapur would do well to remember that freedom of expression, including opposing views, are critical to the health of a democracy. He should apologize to the press. Moreover, all political leaders must refrain from using such distasteful rhetoric,” HRCP added.

The Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) strongly condemned Gandapur’s remarks. In a joint statement, KhUJ President Nasir Hussain and other duty-bearers urged Imran Khan to take notice of Gandapur’s remarks.

The Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Tariq Virk and other dutybearers termed Gandapur’s remarks as a lack of guidance and training. 

The Karachi Press Club also condemned his “irresponsible and inappropriate” remarks, stating that they reflected a “broader pattern within PTI of blaming media for political failures,” Dawn reported. The National Press Club said that “he could come with clarity instead of hurling fake and false accusations against the media.”