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In Pakistan, journalists’ woes have been one constant. Whether under civilian or military rule, the multidimensional challenges faced by journalists have remained the same. Indeed, journalists are living in a constant nightmare in the capital following cases of abductions and beatings; on some occasions, reporters have been targeted just because of their journalistic work.
Journalists are trolled on daily basis and with the rise of the post-truth era has spawned accusations of fake news around the globe. Every other day we come across a piece of news that is labeled as true but turns out to be a complete bogus.
Recently, prominent anchorperson Asma Shirazi took to Twitter to express her views on ‘allegedly’ false journalism that included a conversation between Maryam Nawaz and other prominent journalists, she wrote, «Plz @Twitter I’m reporting this account which is campaigning a fake photoshopped picture and trying to malign journalists in Pakistan. Plz, report.»
Plz @Twitter I’m reporting this account which is campaigning a fake photo shopped picture and trying to malign journalists in pakistan. Plz report https://t.co/PJQPrIpA4Z
— Asma Shirazi (@asmashirazi) February 5, 2019
She had shared the following image which was later removed from her account for the reasons she’s aware of.
She also wrote, «This is totally shaheen sb, another fake campaign, a senior journalist like you should not be trapped at all. Respect.»
This is totally shaheen sb, another fake campaign , senior journalist like you should not be trapped at all. Respect ✊ https://t.co/tQZav0QFkS
— Asma Shirazi (@asmashirazi) February 5, 2019
To the above caption, the below image was attached which was also had been removed from Twitter.
Political trolls begin circulating this screenshot and Twitter reacted to it in their own way. Have a look at what people had to say about this…
One user questioned the authenticity of this screenshot.
Why it hurts when fake news is against journalists. Media runs fake news every day against govt. Double standards
— Tahira (@KhattakTahira) February 5, 2019
Does this Tweet make sense to you guys?
Its good u denied it to make your position clear
But think about it as to why even it seems true even though it is in fact fake?
There must be something these journalists have done fishy which makes it look real.
Have u ever heard?
Wherever there is smoke,
there is fire— Free (@CanadaMate) February 5, 2019
One user just downright blamed all the anchors…
Shaheen sb honest to God these bloody anchors are fake rest is true.
— Sheikh Iggi USA (@IggiSheikh) February 5, 2019
Umm care to venture your thoughts on this?
— Irfan Raza (@Irfan_RazaPTI) February 5, 2019
Could this user be right?
Sach bohut karwa lagha mam ko ?
— Amna Saeed (@NadiaSaifee39) February 5, 2019
What do you think is going on? Is there even a slight possibility that this holds any truth to it? Above all, why was the Tweet removed from her account? What’s your take on this entire discussion? What’s the truth behind this conversation with Maryam Nawaz? Share it with us below in the comments.
