Use of derogatory language against Pashtuns evokes protest

KARACHI: To show their anger against a private TV and its anchor Aamir Liaquat Hussain for using derogatory language against Pashtuns, particularly the Wazir tribe, a large number of Pashtun activists on Friday demanded Pemra to impose a ban on anchor's program.

A large number of Pashtun activists belonging to various literary organizations, political and student groups gathered outside the Karachi Press Club to criticize the channel and its anchor. Yasir Kundi, the protest's organiser, said that recent incidents of usage of derogatory language in a TV program insulted the entire Pashtun community and it was the reason they had gathered here to show their anger.  "The anchor is an ill-informed person who has track record of using abusive language against certain communities and faith in the past," said Kundi. He said the Pashtun literary circles had already started a campaign to boycott the said channel  and vowed to continue their protest against the said channel and anchor.

Activists demanded Pemra to take action against the channel and its anchor and impose a ban on the program.  They also demanded the Supreme Court to take notice of using abusive language against the community.  Sher Afridi, a central leader of Pakhtun Students Federation, Sarwar Shamal, a prominent Pashto poet, Dr Jahanzaib, an Awami National Party's leader, and Dost Muhammad Khan of the National Youth Organisatin were prominent among those who spoke to the protesters.