I would have thought that a better screening of the article would have ensured more mature coverage
KARACHI: This refers to this newspaper’s coverage on August 17, “Pakistan-origin woman set to make history as first Baloch female Olympian”, of Madiea Ghafoor, who is competing in the ongoing 2016 Rio Olympics in the 4x400 metre relay race.
I am a regular subscriber of The Express Tribune and have been a strong advocate of its well-balanced and multifaceted coverage, including subjects ignored by other newspapers, such as the arts. Getting a daily hard copy of The International New York Times, with illuminating articles by columnists such as Thomas Friedman and Nicholas Kristof, is certainly a bonus.
However, I have been distressed by reading the above referred article, which was highlighted on the front page as well. I have nothing against either Madiea Ghafoor or her sentiment to act as an inspiration for the Baloch youth. In fact, I wish her all the luck in her Olympic event representing the Netherlands and would be delighted if she inspires other Baloch youths to take up such activities as well.
What I do have a complaint about is the slant, deliberate or not, of the article, which focuses on her Baloch roots and her inspirational ability to be restricted to an ethnic segment only. In fact, it seemed a bit odd that the writer mentioned her “Pakistan-origin ...” status initially, because there was no other mention of the country subsequently. While her grandfather may have been a Baloch nationalist with Marxist leanings, there is no reason for your newspaper to restrict her identity and influence to the Baloch only.
Given the very controversial statement made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi just a couple of days ago, explicitly instigating the Baloch against our nation, I would have thought that a better screening of the article would have ensured more mature coverage. As a well-wisher of your newspaper, I hope that my comments may be reflected upon as constructive criticism and may find space in your coverage.
Asad S Nihal
Published in The Express Tribune, August 20th, 2016.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
