At the Asia Media Awards, a woman named Nahid Bhatti staged the funeral of journalism. Big names who were once respected and honorable were stripped of their dignity today. Even those who had no connection whatsoever to journalism were rewarded with awards and five hundred dollars.
Some may have been compelled by their circumstances, forced to bear this disgrace. But there were others whose involvement I could never have imagined. This event was supposedly held to honor Ustad Azim Mian with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism. Yet, with great cunning, five hundred dollars were slipped into everyone’s pockets instead. Even if someone had mistakenly earned an achievement, it was taken away.
When a journalist receives an award, they are usually given a book, a pen, or flowers. That moment is not about money but about respect. But here, it wasn’t journalism at play—it was outright brokerage. How can these people, with five hundred dollars hung around their necks like a noose, still call themselves journalists? Are those who accept money in the name of awards even worthy of the title?
Our Consul General and Dr. Ijaz were likely the chief guests. They may not have been aware, but if this post reaches them, they should condemn this and clarify their position.
People often criticize journalists, and now the collective reason has become clear. Some so-called journalists were spared criticism because they hustle behind the scenes, taking a hundred or two when they can—after all, what else do they earn from advertisements? But if someone honors your work, they should at least let you keep your dignity for that one day.
The journalists of New York have destroyed what little respect remained for this profession. Today, WhatsApp groups are buzzing with this scandal, and heads are bowing in shame.
