The KP government plans to rename Peshawar University’s journalism department after Arshad Sharif, sparking debate on press freedom.
KP University’s Journalism Dept. to Honor Arshad Sharif:
The University of Peshawar’s Journalism and Mass Communication Department has been renamed in honour of the late journalist Arshad Sharif by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government. In Pakistan’s political and media circles, this decision has generated both support and outrage.
Who Was Arshad Sharif?
Arshad Sharif was a well-known journalist from Pakistan who was noted for his investigative work and unwavering opposition to political wrongdoing and corruption. He worked for a number of media outlets and rose to prominence in the journalistic industry.
His career was not without difficulties, though. He received several threats as a result of his audacious reporting and ultimately fled Pakistan. He tragically died in October 2022 in Kenya, in an incident that is still debatable. He is regarded as a symbol of press freedom in Pakistan since many people think he was singled out for his journalism.
Why Honor Arshad Sharif in a University Department?
The KP government, under Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, decided to honour Arshad Sharif’s contributions to journalism by renaming the Journalism and Mass Communication Department of the University of Peshawar after him.
The decision was announced during a television talk show when anchor Athar Kazmi questioned the Chief Minister about how the government planned to honor Arshad Sharif. In response, Gandapur pledged to rename a department after the slain journalist.
Following this, KP’s Minister for Higher Education, Meena Khan Afridi, confirmed that necessary steps had been taken to implement this decision. The renaming process started immediately.
Support for the Renaming:
Supporters of this move argue that renaming the journalism department after Arshad Sharif is a fitting tribute to his commitment to truth and justice.
- Honouring a Martyr of Journalism: Many journalists and media professionals believe this step recognizes the sacrifices made by journalists like Arshad Sharif, who lost their lives while fighting for press freedom.
- Inspiring Future Journalists: The department’s new name could motivate journalism students to follow in Sharif’s footsteps and practice ethical journalism.
- Symbol of Press Freedom: Renaming the department after Sharif highlights the struggles journalists face in Pakistan and strengthens the demand for press freedom.
Criticism from the Journalists’ Union:
Despite the support, the Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) strongly opposed the move. In a joint statement, KhUJ President Kashifuddin Syed and General Secretary Arshad Maidani criticized the decision, arguing that:
- The government should focus on improving journalism education rather than renaming institutions.
- Over 50 journalists from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have lost their lives in the war on terror, but they have not received similar recognition.
- If the government truly wanted to honour Arshad Sharif, they should establish a new institution instead of renaming an existing one. The KhUJ leaders warned that they would resist this decision and demand that the government withdraw it immediately.
Concerns from University Faculty:
Some faculty members from the Journalism and Mass Communication Department of the University of Peshawar also raised concerns. Professor Faizullah Jan, a senior faculty member, questioned the purpose of the renaming.
He argued that instead of renaming the department, the KP government should
- Announce a financial relief package for the university, as many staff members have not received their full salaries for months.
- Support journalism programs with better resources and funding rather than symbolic gestures. Prof. Jan also suggested that the government’s decision might be politically motivated, depending on the public reaction.
Press Freedom and Journalism in Pakistan:
The debate over renaming the department reflects larger issues surrounding press freedom in Pakistan.
Increasing Challenges for Journalists:
Pakistan has been ranked low on the World Press Freedom Index, with journalists frequently facing:
- Threats and intimidation from powerful figures.
- Censorship and restrictions on reporting.
- Violence and killings for exposing corruption or wrongdoing.
Arshad Sharif’s death became a symbol of the dangers faced by journalists in the country.
Role of Universities in Journalism Education:
Journalism schools and university departments play a crucial role in:
- Training future journalists with ethical and professional values.
- Encouraging independent reporting in a challenging media environment.
- Providing platforms for student journalists to practice their skills.
Many believe that instead of renaming a department, the government should focus on investing in journalism education and ensuring journalists’ safety.
Political Influence on Media Decisions:
Some critics argue that this renaming decision is politically driven. They point out that:
- The PTI government wants to associate itself with Arshad Sharif’s legacy, as he was a known critic of the opposition.
- Previous renaming controversies, such as renaming the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium after Imran Khan, also sparked criticism.
Possible Alternatives to Honor Arshad Sharif:
Instead of renaming the department, the government could consider alternative ways to honour Arshad Sharif, such as:
Establishing an Arshad Sharif Journalism Institute:
- A new journalism training institute could be created in his name.
- It provides specialized training in investigative journalism.
Arshad Sharif Press Freedom Award:
- A national-level journalism award could be launched.
- It recognizes journalists who display courage and integrity in their reporting.
Media Safety and Protection Fund:
- A fund could be created to support journalists facing threats.
- It could provide legal aid and financial assistance.
Strengthening Journalism Education:
- The government could increase funding for journalism departments.
- Scholarships could be offered in Sharif’s name for aspiring journalists.
Conclusion:
Both support and criticism have been directed towards the KP government’s decision to rename the Journalism and Mass Communication Department at the University of Peshawar in honor of Arshad Sharif.
This, according to supporters, is a worthy homage to a journalist who sacrificed his life for the truth. However, some contend that rather than renaming institutions, the government ought to concentrate on enhancing journalism education.
The dispute is a reflection of larger problems in Pakistan, including political control over media choices, journalist safety, and press freedom. Although Arshad Sharif is deserving of praise, many think that a more significant approach to pay tribute to his legacy would be to finance press freedom projects or build a journalism institute.
