Journalist Irshad Bhatti hit back at PML-N for the recent audiotape of Maryam Nawaz and former information minister Pervaiz Rasheed. In the clip, both PML-N leaders talked about allegedly “biased journalists.”
The leaked clip appears to be from October 2016. That was when then prime minister Nawaz Sharif had returned from a three-day trip to Azerbaijan.
In the clip, PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz, and Pervaiz Rasheed discussed a current affairs show and named journalists that were very critical of PML-N. Rashid allegedly added that Bhatti also uses “vulgar language”.
“They have also added Irshad Bhatti. You know that he speaks filth,” said Rasheed. “Mazhar Abbas’ tilt is also against us. It includes sarcasm and jokes. Sometimes, he spins the discussion to make fun of us [PML-N].”
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The two leaders discussed how the show appointed journalists who were against PML-N. Meanwhile, firing those critical of now Prime Minister Imran Khan.
“There was one check on Imran Khan and they have removed it but the dogs barking at us have been added [to the show],” says Rashid. Meanwhile, Maryam, agreeing, called it a complete bias of the channel’s management.
The audio clip once again caused a storm in Pakistan as the government along with journalists began slamming PML-N’s Maryam Nawaz for controlling the media.
Irshad Bhatti hits back
Reacting to this during an interview to a private media channel, Irshad Bhatti said the PML-N’s crass words against the journalists are a portrayal of their up-bringing.
He noted that unlike them, he will not use such words and wished Maryam Nawaz and Pervaiz Rasheed well.
On the other hand, Irshad Bhatti also questioned PML-N’s supposed advocacy for media freedom when they themselves attempted to control the media. Irshad Bhatti then narrated instances of PML-N attempting to control media during its tenure by either registering cases against journalists or by making assassination attempts on them.
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Furthermore, Irshad Bhatti challenged PML-N to go through six years worth of the current affairs show and find a single slang word.
“We cannot use vulgar language against anyone. If we do, we receive a notice from PEMRA,” Irshad Bhatti clarified.
Not holding back, Irshad Bhatti said PML-N operates on a “with us or against us” mindset and thrives on flattery.
“They think it is an insult if someone talks against us. Why? Have they descended from the heavens? Who are you people? What have you become?” Irshad Bhatti said, referring to PML-N.