![in retrospect in retrospect](https://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/245320-penjournalistwriterreporter-1315241691.jpg)
There are several programmes under which Pakistani journalists are taken to the US or given training in one form or the other. The US government does it directly through the International Visitor Programme or indirectly like a recent initiative in cooperation with the International Centre for Journalists where about 130 Pakistani journalists will be trained in the US. Journalists are also selected under the Fulbright scholarship , and with the increase in US funding for non-military aid to Pakistan, resources for these programmes have increased significantly since 2009. But in the Pakistani media, even the weakest of perceptions are quick to cement, and disclosing this arrangement immediately, we felt, could open the group to all sorts of censure — particularly from quarters that are quick to pass judgement without allowing for explanation. That is what made the timing of the disclosure tricky, particularly since the matter involved a party — the US government — that is, almost as a rule, looked at with suspicion. In retrospect, bowing to this apprehension was erroneous, as admitted, especially since there was nothing to hide. That said, editorial discretion lies solely and unconditionally with the editors concerned for all stories filed under this arrangement. We appreciate the article for the questions it has raised in the pursuit of transparency — given that we, too, are a part of the same effort — and for compelling us to disclose the facts, which is something that we should have done a long time ago.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 6th, 2011.
COMMENTS (3)
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ET is doing a great job. And thank you America for helping journos. I believe Pakistans salvation heavily needs fresh honest people in journalism, police and education sectors the most.
ET is in fact a trailblazer in not only Pakistani but also in the regional media
Dear ET, your credibility has been compromised. The only way you can save face is by firing Huma Imtiaz who is on the pay roll of the State Department. There is no other way. You can't just give a lame excuse that others are doing it, therefore we too will do it. How am I as a reader supposed to take your paper seriously? Also, didn't the same journalist cover the infamour David Headley trial with an obvious anti ISI agenda? Sure ISI has its many faults, but readers would have taken Huma Imtiaz's reports about the trial seriously had we known she was promoting objective journalism. But the fact of the matter is she wan't. She was on the payroll of the State Department for crying out loud....it's very shameful.