In a bold revelation, anchorperson Zaryab Rajput has taken a stand in favor of the Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) ordinance, supporting the proposed imposition of a hefty fine of Rs 250 million on television channels for disseminating fake news. Rajput, currently the host of the Subha e Pakistan morning show on Pakistan Television (PTV) News, shared her firsthand experience of unjust layoffs amid the pandemic and shed light on the extravagant lifestyles of media owners.
Recalling the events leading to her termination from Hum News, where she previously hosted Views Makers, Zaryab Rajput lamented the lack of empathy displayed by media owners. The anchorperson criticized the suggested fine, asserting that Rs 250 million is a mere drop in the ocean for media tycoons who prioritize their luxuries over ethical journalism.
In her account, Rajput revealed that she was informed about her abrupt dismissal without any explanation. Attempts to inquire about the reasons behind the decision were met with evasiveness, leaving her perplexed and frustrated.
Connecting the layoff to the COVID-19 situation, Zaryab Rajput highlighted the irony of the situation where personnel were being laid off while new hires were brought on board with substantial salaries. She pointed out discrepancies in the advertisement slots during her tenure, indicating an unusual surge in ad duration, which raised questions about media owners’ priorities.
Expressing her dismay, Rajput criticized media owners for sacrificing the welfare of employees while maintaining their opulent lifestyles. The anchorperson’s revelations echo the sentiments expressed by Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, who recently labeled media owners as ‘Kaalia’ for alleged malpractices.
Fawad Chaudhry accused media houses of receiving substantial government funds without disbursing salaries to employees and even alleged involvement in money laundering. Zaryab Rajput’s testimony adds another layer to the ongoing discourse about media ethics, financial transparency, and the need for regulatory measures like the PMDA ordinance.
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