Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, has taken a strong stance in response to a recent incident where he was incorrectly attributed to a statement supporting Israel instead of Palestine in a news bulletin on Radio Pakistan. The Prime Minister’s swift action includes issuing directives to suspend key personnel involved in the incident, underlining the seriousness of the matter.
The incident centers around a news bulletin aired on Radio Pakistan that erroneously quoted Prime Minister Kakar as expressing support for Israel instead of Palestine. This mistake prompted an immediate response from the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Director-General of Radio Pakistan, Tahir Hasan, was handed a suspension order.
Additionally, an extra charge has been assigned to Executive Director-General External Publicity Wing, Ambreen Jan, as she holds a Grade 20 position within the Directorate of Information Group. Tahir Hasan’s removal from the post of DG has taken place without delay, pending further investigations.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister has ordered a detailed inquiry into the matter to uncover the source of the mistake and identify any procedural lapses within the Radio Pakistan newsroom. The swift and decisive action underscores the government’s commitment to accountability and accuracy in the dissemination of information, particularly concerning sensitive international matters.
The incident has also led to several other staff members facing repercussions. News readers and translators involved have been relieved of their duties. Arshad Raza, who served as the news editor, and Maqsood-ur-Rahman, the Deputy Controller, have also been suspended from their positions as part of the investigation process.
This episode highlights the importance of accurate reporting and responsible handling of information, especially when it pertains to international relations and diplomacy. The Prime Minister’s assertive response reflects the significance of maintaining the country’s official stance on critical issues such as the Israel-Palestine conflict and the need for accountability within media organizations to ensure that similar errors do not recur.
