ISLAMABAD, 02 August 2024: On a recent podcast hosted by Zohaib Saleem Butt, guest Dr. Omer Adil made “derogatory comments” against women broadcast journalist Gharidah Farooqi, engaging in character assassination and disparagement of her professional capabilities. The podcast’s thumbnail prominently displayed the abusive language used against Ms Farooqi, constituting an egregious act of harassment that undermined the integrity and dignity of female journalists in Pakistan.
The podcast was aired on July 26, 2024.
In Pakistan, female journalists face numerous challenges. However, online harassment has increased manifold over the last few years, as social media usage has increased more than ever before.
“We stand in support for Ms Farooqi and all women journalists confronting more or less similar situation. We call on authorities to move against those who are undermining women journalists’ role in Pakistani media and make sure that law enforcing authorities are as zealous in cases involving women journalists as they show for government ministers or ruling party leaders,” Freedom network said on 02 August 2024 in its Alert.
The comments made by Dr. Adil not only targeted Ms Farooqi but also generalized his derogatory remarks to all female journalists, suggesting they had entered the media industry through “unfair means.”
Freedom Network also asks GTV News channel management to also stand by Ms Farooqi and join her in taking the podcast content to legal course of action.
According to UNESCO and other international media organizations’ latest trend reports , numerous female journalists in Pakistan faced online harassment in the last few years.
In 2020, 40% of female journalists reported facing online harassment, while in 2021, 55% reported facing cyberbullying. In 2022, the number increased to 62%, with many facing severe online threats and abuse. In 2023, the situation worsened further, with a staggering 70% of female journalists reporting online harassment, including hate speech. These statistics highlight the urgent need for action to address online harassment and ensure a safe environment for female journalists.
Pakistan is ranked 152nd on the World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Borders this year.
