Renowned Pakistani journalist and television host Kashif Abbasi has allegedly been taken off the air just days after hosting a show discussing the Pattan report on election rigging in the 2023 general elections.
Journalist Zubair Ali Khan posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying that ARY News has placed Abbasi on forced leave for two weeks following his program on the Pattan report, which was released last Thursday.
A year after Pakistan’s general elections in February 2024, the non-governmental organization (NGO) Pattan published a report alleging widespread electoral fraud. The first installment of the report, titled “The War Against Voters,” presents an analysis of what it describes as a stolen public mandate and increasing authoritarianism in the country.
The report claims that unprecedented irregularities in the general elections led to actions that distorted the structure and essence of the constitution. It further alleges the subjugation of the judiciary, suppression of media outlets, and crackdowns on independent journalists and social media activists.
Reacting to the news, veteran journalist Amir Mateen commented, “Fear the day when Kashif Abbasi will be conducting his program in front of an audience at the Press Club. A dictator like Musharraf tried similar methods and ultimately failed. Oppress as much as you can bear. Kashif will not starve—he will likely earn more on YouTube, free from PEMRA and state restrictions. He will be able to speak openly, beyond the limitations of traditional television. Many of us will stand with him, and history will record that this happened under this government and system. However, some livelihoods will be affected. The choice remains yours…”
Pakistan’s media has long been a primary target of the country’s ‘deep state.’ Journalists critical of government policies face increasing pressure, while those who endorse the status quo operate without threats to their security or professional standing.
