Imran Khan’s Sister Highlights Media Censorship in Pakistan

Noreen Niazi, the sister of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has unveiled alarming details regarding media censorship in Pakistan. In an interview on November 28, 2023, she stated that journalists in the country face extreme oppression, which silences them even after their release from detention.

Censorship Claims and Detained Journalists

Niazi described a troubling environment where media professionals are “witch-hunted” by authorities. She highlighted the cases of Shorab Barkat, a former channel operator, and journalist Agha Sheikh Sarwar, both of whom have been detained. According to Niazi, the severity of their treatment is so great that once released, they are often unable to speak out against their experiences.

“Censorship in Pakistan is so extreme that they apprehend media people,” Niazi told ANI. She elaborated that many prominent journalists have fled the country due to threats, and those who remain face significant risks, including blocked bank accounts and confiscated property. “Major popular names in Pakistan’s media are currently outside the country. They’ve fled and can’t return,” she stated.

Political Context and Government Criticism

Niazi did not hold back in her criticism of the current government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. She described the administration as “extremely unpopular,” claiming it lacks genuine public support. According to her, the government has resorted to “rigging elections” to maintain power, emphasizing that this weakens its legitimacy.

“If you oppress your own citizens, then obviously the people will never support you,” Niazi remarked. She asserted that while Imran Khan retains significant support, the government has lost the trust of the public. “These people lost all the elections. Then they rigged all the elections,” she said, referring to the current leadership.

When asked about the international community’s response to Khan’s treatment, Niazi expressed skepticism. “I have no expectations of the international community because their governments are similar to ours,” she stated. Niazi criticized Western nations, claiming they are aware of the alleged electoral fraud but choose to overlook it for their interests.

“Countries like England and the USA are supporting the Pakistan government in this,” she asserted, noting that reports from these nations have acknowledged the fraud. “They know everything, yet they will not do anything,” she added, suggesting a complicity that allows the current government to remain in power.

Niazi concluded with a call for domestic action, urging the people of Pakistan to stand up for their rights. Her remarks paint a stark picture of the challenges facing both media and citizens in Pakistan under the current political climate.