Journalists Walk Out in Protest as KP Chief’s Remarks Spark Outrage; Ministers and Journalists Demands Apology
The journalist community boycotted a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) press conference in response to derogatory remarks made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur during a PTI rally. Gandapur, during a rally in Islamabad on September 8, labeled journalists as “sell-outs” and made particularly derogatory comments towards women in the media.
These inflammatory remarks have been met with protests from the journalistic community. Reporters have boycotted PTI press conferences, citing concerns over their safety.
In protest, journalists removed microphones from the table during the press conference held by PTI leaders Salman Akram Raja, Raoof Hassan, and Senator Shibli Faraz in Islamabad on September 13. Despite efforts by PTI Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja to mediate and distance the party from Gandapur’s comments, the journalists walked out, leaving the press conference. Other PTI leaders were also present, including Omar Ayub, Senator Shibli Faraz, and Raoof Hasan.
On September 12, PTI founder Imran Khan distanced himself from the remarks, expressing his displeasure and calling Gandapur’s language “inappropriate.” However, despite calls for retraction, Gandapur remained unapologetic during subsequent public appearances, further fueling the controversy.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also condemned the KP chief minister’s remarks, recalling past incidents where journalists, especially women, had been targeted at PTI rallies. Tarar said Gandapur’s comments reflected a broader mindset within PTI leadership, calling for the entire party to apologize.
Meanwhile, PPP Vice-President Senator Sherry Rehman joined the calls for an apology, criticizing Gandapur’s language as unbefitting for a person in power and accusing PTI of fostering a disrespectful attitude toward women and journalists.
As per Dawn, Gandapur’s speech, which included derogatory and sexist language aimed at female journalists, has drawn widespread condemnation from journalist organizations, rights groups, and politicians. Journalist bodies, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Press Council of Pakistan (PCP), demanded an apology. The PFUJ warned of further boycotts and protests if no apology was issued.
” 
” 
” 
” 
” 
