The attack on Hamid Mir, one of Pakistan’s veritable army of fearless journalists, is an attack on the very profession itself besides being an act of extreme barbarity and stupidity. Irrespective of who was behind it, or what was their motive, such a brazen act has no place in this day and age where it is almost impossible to stem the flow of information or place curbs on free thinking.
It’s unfortunate that journalism in certain parts of the world has become a dangerous way to put bread on the table. Indeed, many have paid with their lives in pursuit of the truth in places like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mexico and Colombia where the political class is so callous and in cahoots with the various mafias – the religious variety included – that even aspiring to be a journalist is like seeking a death wish.
Yet, there’s something so seductive about the thrill of journalism that many simply can’t resist its pull. Putting their lives on the line, these intrepid soldiers of the fourth estate, armed with nothing more than a camera, a microphone, or pen and paper, have ventured deep into dangerous terrain to ferret out information that otherwise would never see the light of the day.
Mir, who often asked uncomfortable questions of politicians, military and the secret services, had informed his family, friends and colleagues that his life was in danger. He had even named names, creating a media storm in Pakistan. Sadly enough, like in the Malala Yousufzai incident, many have labelled Mir a foreign agent – their twisted logic being they survived only because they staged the attacks themselves to show the country in bad light!
In Mir’s case, the fact that he received bullet wounds only in the lower part of the body was enough proof, in the eyes of his detractors, that he himself orchestrated the attack. On some TV shows, celebrated anchors, instead of roundly condemning the incident, were categorical in their observation that Mir had stage-managed it at the behest of Pakistan’s enemies. Had anyone been serious about killing him, they would have shot him in the upper part of the body, they happily concluded.
However, conspiracy theories apart, the fact remains that the attempt on Mir’s life has shaken the Pakistani government which is now in damage control mode. Various media organisations in the country have condemned the attack and are demanding answers, at the same time renewing their journalistic vows about continuing to fight on despite the odds.
Journalistic zeal is often all-consuming. Once you are in it, there is usually no turning back.
