The events following Salman Taseer’s mishandling of the issue of blasphemy law which eventually resulted in his murder has revealed a new face of Pakistan’s media anchors and their intolerant attitude while perceiving the public views.
Tonight with Jasmeen, a famous and renowned political program is actually hosted by Madam Jasmeen Manzoor. Madam Jasmeen Manzoor differed on the public opinion and sentiments on the issue of Salman Taseer’s guilty and his murder, but having a different opinion is another thing and it’s alright but imposing one’s own opinion and labeling other opinions and discussions on the same issue as “religious extremism” without properly responding them is something else. That’s what madam Jasmeen Manzoor and her team had done in the face book group “Tonight with Jasmine”.
Madam Jasmeen Manzoor became so desperate on public opinion that she gave an open verdict that she would not allow any “religious extremism” on her page, further she threatened the public opinion by exclaiming that she would close the page soon if these opinions and discussions would be continued. Furthermore when these discussions against the government’s failure continued, the group admin finally executed the threat given to the public. The group was no more open for the public to discuss. Now as the time has passed the group has reopened again.
Is it broad and open mindedness or intolerance? Why do people behave so intolerantly when discussions go against their opinion? Even the media anchors are so intolerant.
Moreover Madam Jasmeen had also hosted a bold program on 29th December 2010 where MQM leader Mustufa Kamal and PML-N leader were almost fighting with each other; even bad words were also used. Madam Jasmeen did not show enough guts to call them as extremists or murderers, however public emotions are extremism in her view but politicians are not.