In a shocking turn of events, anchorperson Xaryab Rajput has been abruptly terminated from her role at the state television, PTV News, without any official explanation or the completion of due process for awarding a one-month notice period.
The sudden termination has sparked concerns and allegations of political victimization, with Rajput being perceived as a casualty of her differing viewpoint within the coalition government. Her dismissal, which follows an extension of her contract based on her “excellent performance,” has raised eyebrows in journalistic circles and ignited debates surrounding the freedom of expression.
In a statement, Rajput was quoted as saying, “My contract was extended by PTV on the basis of my excellent performance, and then it was terminated without giving me a month’s notice.” The statement suggests that she sees herself as a target of political victimization within PTV News.
Rajput’s public stance on social media, including a recent post in support of anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan, who has been critical of the coalition government, is believed to have played a role in her sudden dismissal. The termination has drawn criticism from fellow journalists and anchorpersons, who are questioning the transparency and fairness of the decision.
Summaiya Rizwan expressed concern on Twitter, stating, “Journalists are becoming victims of political victimization, and then the government claims itself a supporter of freedom of expression.”
سیاسی انتقام کا نشانہ اب صحافی بن رہےہیں اور پھر کہا جاتا ہے کہ ہم آزادی صحافت کے حامی ہیں ۔۔۔ من پسند صحافی جو صرف آپ کی ہاں میں ہاں ملائے وہ ہی نوکری پر رہے گا۔۔۔ یہ ہے آپ کا پرانا طریقہ۔۔۔۔ ؟؟؟؟ https://t.co/s2pXykRtdj
— Summaiya Rizwan (@SummaiyaRizwann) July 7, 2022
Irza Khan offered words of encouragement to Rajput, tweeting, “Stay strong @BXaryab. I’ve seen your dedication and your struggle. InshaAllah Ap k liye kuch bht acha ho ga.” Seemal Hashmi also tweeted:
Stay strong girl… i know you are❤️ https://t.co/fE0uTJTLWE
— Seemal Hashmi (@seemal_hashmi) July 7, 2022
The situation prompted Absa Komal to question the lack of due process, tweeting, “Why was @BXaryab fired from PTV without following due process?”
Why was @BXaryab fired from PTV without following due process? @Marriyum_A https://t.co/j8Nxi5KViB
— Absa Komal (@AbsaKomal) July 8, 2022
Ajmal Jami voiced his disbelief, stating, “That is unbelievable, unfair indeed. They should come up with solid reasons; otherwise, this will be sheer injustice. Best wishes Xaryab.”
That is unbelievable, unfair indeed. They should come up with solid reasons otherwise this will be sheer injustice. Best wishes Xaryab.
— Ajmal Jami (@ajmaljami) July 8, 2022
Ayesha Khalid, former anchorperson of Geo News, called for an investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need to move beyond targeting individuals for their political opinions. She requested authorities to look into the situation, stating, “Firing a female anchor without following due process is horrific and must be investigated.”
Firing a female anchor without following due process is horrific & must be investigated. We need to grow up from targeting ppl merely for having diff political opinion. I request @kashmalamna & @Marriyum_A to look into it. This practice def doesn't look good on @PTVNewsOfficial https://t.co/96dgqE1Y1e
— Ayesha Khalid (@AyeshDibs) July 8, 2022
The termination of Xaryab Rajput from PTV News underscores broader concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists who express dissenting views within the media landscape.
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