This elusiveness is not a new tactic of Chaudhry Nisar. He, as a leader of opposition in the National Assembly during the previous government’s tenure, was often inaccessible to the media. It is irksome to note that one cannot contact Chaudhry Nisar no matter what the occasion or news story is. On the other hand, I, as a reporter, have been in regular contact with his predecessor Rehman Malik, who was an easily reachable man.
No doubt, there is no comparison between Chaudhry Nisar and Rehman Malik with respect to their statures in their respective parties, political background, political insight and charisma. Malik was media-friendly but did not bring revolutionary change to the interior ministry in five-year stint. Even that ‘media-friendliness’ was not without its ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. His staff only allowed certain journalists to enter the ministry premises. Even so, I appreciated that he always responded to my queries. This is what a political leader should do.
No doubt, Chaudhry Nisar is a different man who prefers merit and encourages honest officers. But, senior officers of the interior ministry and the Federal Investigation Agency are asking a question: “Why does the minister not listen to them?” Indeed, there are reports the ministry staff themselves cannot access their boss. Personally, I have no complaints about the interior minister as he always responds to my queries and has given feedback on my stories. I appreciate his feedback, which has encouraged me and other journalists to produce balanced stories. Still, the interior minister must remember that a responsible minister should not shy away from the Fourth Estate.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2014.
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Ch.nisar has always been like this.Its not that he has become like this after getting the ministry.He has got his own style.Tries to concentrate more on his job than to talk about it and that is the very season he is the only politician to reach NA for 8th or 9th consecutive term.Let him do his job and he will produce results.
The story missed many ministers whom we dont even know the names. They are so inactive that one wonders where they have been in 7 months. Interior minister is doing much better job.