Bid to rename journalism dept in UoP sparks controversy

PESHAWAR: A statement from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher Education Minister, Meena Khan Afridi, announcing the renaming of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department, University of Peshawar, after slain journalist Arshad Sharif, has sparked intense backlash from across various sectors in the province.

The minister, in a post on his X account, confirmed that the formal work on implementing the chief minister’s decision would begin the following day. The move triggered a wave of criticism from journalists, political figures, academics and civil society.

The critics of the move observed that there was no need to rename departments after individuals who had a controversial past. In his announcement, Afridi confirmed that the department would be named after Arshad Sharif, who was murdered in 2022. His murder had generated a widespread discussion about press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.

Shamim Shahid, President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Workers, has strongly condemned the decision, calling it both illogical and insensitive. Shahid expressed disappointment, pointing out that the government’s focus should have been on a transparent investigation into Sharif’s murder rather than making political gestures. “This move serves more as an escape from the real issues and fails to address the justice that Arshad Sharif and his family deserve,” he said, adding that the journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would strongly resist the move.

Shahid suggested that instead of renaming the department, the provincial government should consider establishing a new educational institution or initiative in Sharif’s name. Such an effort, he believed, would be a more fitting tribute to his legacy.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Union of Journalists has joined the chorus of criticism, denouncing the proposal as an insult to other Pakhtun journalists who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

In a joint statement, President Shams Mohmand and General Secretary Ibrahim Shinwari expressed their outrage, asserting that the decision was not only a betrayal of the blood of martyred journalists but also an attempt to avoid accountability.

The union representatives emphasized that over three dozen renowned Pakhtun journalists had laid down their lives for the region’s safety and freedom of expression. Yet, none of their contributions have been acknowledged by the PTI-led provincial government, they pointed out. Instead, the focus appears to be on protecting political interests, with the mysterious killing of Arshad Sharif being sidelined.

“We strongly condemn and oppose this decision,” the union leaders stated, demanding that Afridi and the provincial government immediately retract the decision. They argued that instead of Arshad Sharif, the government should consider renaming the department after other well-respected journalists like Makram Khan Atif, Sialab Mehsud, Hayatullah Dawar or Rahimullah Yusufzai - individuals whose services to the region are undisputed.

The decision has not only drawn the ire of journalists but has also raised concerns among political leaders and members of academia. Opposition parties have questioned the PTI-led government’s motives, suggesting that such actions were more about appeasing party loyalists than genuinely honouring the memory of journalists.

This proposal comes after a recent controversy when the provincial government had to backtrack on a decision to rename the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium after party founder Imran Khan following public backlash.