Background:
On April 21, 2011 the Supreme Court of Pakistan announced the verdict on Mukhtar Mai’s case. According to the verdict, the initial judgment of the Lahore High Court was upheld and five out of six accused in Mai’s gang rape were acquitted. Various news channels covered the acquittal including several talkshows, which invited Mukhtar Mai for her reaction on the verdict. One of them was Mubashir Lucman, host of a popular talk show on an Urdu news channel.
Please watch the video here and read the details of the Mukhtar Mai case history here.
Dear Mr. Mubashir Lucman,
This is in reference to your talkshow covering the Supreme Court’s verdict of Mukhtar Mai’s case. I must begin with confessing that I have never been an avid viewer of your show. In fact, I usually avoid it owing to your unnecessarily harsh tone, which often tends to cross over basic journalism ethics. Despite that, I was not expecting the kind of tone, body language and overall journalistic misconduct demonstrated by you on the show.
You began the show by introducing Mai in the most insulting and derogatory way possible. Allow me to quote you: “Unhon nay poori dunya ka daura bhi karliya, poori dunya main chakar bhi laga liyay, or koi rafai kaam karnay ki bhi koshish ki”
“She has travelled extensively and has also ‘tried’ to do some welfare work.”
As evident by your baseless statement made on the show, you have little or no background information on Mai’s case. Mukhtar Mai Women’s Welfare Organisation have been working since 2003. The organisation has set up schools, one of which currently provides education to over 500 girls from nursery to Matric. Apart from, that the organisation also has built a shelter home and operates an ambulance service. If these records are anything to go by, Mukhtar Mai has done far more than just ‘trying’ to do welfare.
Even if we ignore the initial question asking Mukhtar Mai why she feels that the court decided against her appeal, your questions to Mukhtara Mai were not only harsh but illogical, poorly-framed and reflected the lack of insight from your end. Instead of letting Mai complete her answers, you cross-questioned her on her brother’s case. The cross-questioning was futile owing to the fact that it showed you had no knowledge of the brother’s case. Allow me to enlighten you: Mai’s brother Shakoor was sodomised by three men of the Mastoi clan. This was proved in court; the court sentenced those three men.
Moreover, when Mukhtar Mai asked why the court dragged her case if they had to uphold the same decision, you replied with ‘Writ to apnay ki thi’.’ (You are the one that registered an appeal).
Mai dared to stand up for herself and her family despite hailing from a rural background where influential tribesmen literally own the life and wealth of those they consider inferior to them. She spoke up in a society where reporting a rape case is an ordeal in itself and blaming the victim reinforces the culture of silence and shame.
By this time Mai, who had earlier stated her disappointment and hopelessness in the judicial system, had left the room. This is no ordinary woman, Mr. Lucman. She was gang raped on the orders of a jirga (illegal and banned), paraded naked around the entire village and then made to wait for nine long years – only to be turned down. From battling with influential tribesmen, rowdy politicians and jurisdiction dilemmas to constant death threats, this woman has suffered a lot, to say the least. Ignoring the entire ordeal, you not only chose to make ill-informed remarks but also did nothing to cross-question your guests, namely Hafeezullah Niazi and Mian Ghaffar. Your guest on the show accused the courts of being biased, taking dictations from unknown sources and also declared the case fictitious. If you have forgotten, let me remind you that the Supreme Court of Pakistan has declared one of the six men guilty of raping Mai. For someone to declare the rape fictitious, it falls under contempt of court. Instead of cross-questioning the guest in question, you concluded with remarks such as ‘tou Musharraf theek kehta tha” “so was Musharraf right?” Were you actually referring to General Musharraf’s obnoxious remark which was something to the effect of: women should not wash their dirty linen in public and that country’s image should not be tarnished by giving a gang rape victim too much attention?
Moreover you had the audacity to ask Mai if she felt any compassion for the men who were charged with rape? I find that deplorable and shoddy journalism. Do you expect her to sympathise with the men she accused of raping her?
The entire discussion on the show was a vicious attack not only at Mai, a rape survivor, but women’s rights activists as well. Accusing activists of pocketing money (without substantial evidence, might I add) and cashing in on rape, reflects your views on rape victims.
It is people like you and attitudes such as yours that feed the vicious cycle of prejudice against rape victims, making the fight for justice harder. It is appalling that you would allow your guests to hurl allegations on Mai, call her rape fictitious without any substantial evidence and in the presence of a Supreme Court judgment.
It was appalling to witness you cross-question Mai, while ignoring the plight of hundreds of women who have suffered at the hands of these illegal jirgas. Not once in your programme did you mention the innumerous decisions made by these notorious jirgas, from burying women alive to feeding them to the dogs. Your attitude in the program and your approach to the case is an insult to the plight of the 2,903 women who were raped in 2010 alone and may never get justice.
For all of this you must apologise. I demand you read up on Mai’s case and issue a public apology not only to Mai but to the Pakistani men and women who have been left dejected but will continue the fight against rape and abuse.
Signed,
Sana Saleem
Sana Saleem is Co-founder, Director Gawaahi.com and blogs at Global Voices, Asian Correspondent, The Guardian and her personal blog Mystified Justice. She recently won the Best Activist Blogger award by CIO & Google at the Pakistan Blogger Awards. She can be found on Facebook and tweets at twitter.com/sanasaleem.
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn
Mr Moderator
I am shocked to see my comments/reply have been removed. Disgusted on this unilateral sanitisation
favouring a particular mindset. Sorry, I thought this site is not a fake!
Just watched the first 5 minutes of the video and made me sick to the bone. Totally agree with Sana Saleem.
Mubashir Lucman in my opinion is one of the finest hosts/anchors that Pakistan has ever produced and certainly the best in the present time. He portrays a true pictures of events and happenings in Pakistan and his courageous efforts must be louded and commended.
Mr Lucman u deserve this and i love the person who worked out on this and showed u wat u are.
The author is just having a go at Mubashir for no reason, It is contempt of court not to accept court decesion, where as Mukhtaran Mai and so called human rights groups have condem the court decesion.
Press or so called journalists are quite sale able and to will do anything to increase the TRP so that they can get more
His behavior & attitude towards individuals shows us as he has all responsibilities of state on his shoulders. At least this man must visit Mai village & ask some masses that what the real background of such incident was. Think thousands times before act…
The change comes within…..
After watching the show I thought if anyone will ever condemn such vicious and ignorant remarks by Mr Lucman. I am glad to see that there is hope in Pakistan. Mr Lucman has just proved that he has no respect for women and sense of ethics as evident on the show. Women and men of Pakistan should sign an appeal demanding public apology from Mr Lucman.
I agree with Lucman, take a look back and you see a smiling Mai going all around the world telling people she was gang raped. Would she have the courage to tell the people of this country how much money she has earned in grants and sympathy with her World Tours? She is nothing but an imposter who has tried to cash in on something terrible. Would she please tell the world about her financial position before and after the incident? Would Ms. Mai please stand up and tell the world about how she has so easily managed to malign Pakistan by telling the world that this is the worst place to live in? Does anyone know the amount of money Mai has made in the last nine years, can we have access to her tax returns? Standing up for your rights is different and maligning your country for financial gains is a different story. Ms. Mai we need to have a look at your bank statement, your tax returns and your umpteen visas before we decide on how badly you have been treated in this country which even after a terrible incident has given you a lot…this is enough…
Well done brave girl.I think that Mr. Lucman should apologise not only Mai but also to the whole people of Pakistan as well as media.Because this shows that our media is gender-biased.
BRAVO Sana Saleem.This man is an Insult to a Human race let alone Pakistan.
Very well said Sana!!! I , as adoctor demand an apology from Mr. Lucman as well because I know what kind of mental trauma (let alone physical) do the victims go through…….. Its easy to put a show on and get people glued for an hour …..its really shameful that he can discuss such sensitive issues with minimal info…..
Good work Sana keep it up!
Very well said…
Very well said. Interestingly few other times I have watched his program when he was in express news, he was heavily favoring tainted cricketers in spot fixing charges (proven) saying that it was conspiracy against innocent kids. The behavior of quite a few anchors just goes to show that any kind of power tends to make human arrogant and I think it is more common in our country which is disappointing.
well done brave girl….you have spoken well….and this luqman has nothing to do with journalism…
In my thirty year of journalism in Pakistan where I remained affiliated with PPI and finally the prestigious News Agency Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) and also worked for some time with foreign wire service AFP, I never heard about Mubashar Lucman at any point. He might be a some sort of “bureaucratic journalist”.
Mussarat Hussain,
Washington,
U.S.A.
Mr Mubashir has exposed the real picture of this case.
There are no news of rape cases in Washington post or New York times , so what u self promoting Girls and NGOs think there are no rape going on in US or in UK. Every one minute tens of girls are raped in US alone.
Then why we promoting rape activity by publishing it in our News papers and high lighting all the time on t.v.
Mubashir u r hero and we are sick of watching this lady.
Mis Farhana,
He (Mr. M Lucman) did not exposed any picture of this case, he even accepted it that he doesnot know anything about the case. Lucman is one of those journalists who now think they are powerfull, and they mis-use this weapon of media independence.
Secondly rapes are the wrong deeds, not the news of rape.
Ms. Farhana, I am appalled by your comment! Being a woman how can you say this.
As far as Mr. Mubashir is concerned, he has one of the most insulting ways of questioning people. I am sorry to say he is no one to question people like this. Every human in this world is entitled to respect.
You might disagree with the way the media highlighted it but you certainly can’t be calling Mr. Lucman a hero!
I never liked Mubbashir because of twisted logics however, this program has been an eye-opener. We have to listen to both sides of story since none of us were physically present when the alleged incident took place. Mubbashir shows us the other side of the story. As far as Sana Saleem’s article goes its absolutely out of the context. She has only written half of what Mubbashir said. For example about Mai’s welfare programs he said that she herself will tell you the details about them but Sana’s doesnt mention that in her article.
Mr Lucman , just shame on u, just to make your show popular and for TRP , you always do un ethical conversation……
Well Done Ms. Saleem, you are abosolutely Right! I hope he will retract some of his statements and apologize!
‘Tarnish’ is a word used to signify ill use, negligence & abuse. ‘Tarnishing of image’ will occur if such behaviors will prevail. If one chooses to practice/ condones/ remains complacent towards abusive and negligent behaviors then one cannot hope/expect to escape ‘tarnishing of images’. You can’t have your cake and eat it too!
Well done! lucman is a completely tactless journalist!
Mubshar Luqman was a shame – the way he questioned the simple lady from a remote part of country. I wish some one had advised her not to appear in Mubshar Luqman’s show.
He must submitt an umcoditional apology for hurting so many people.
very well said !!! Although u shud be given credit for raising ur voice .. but people like you if become practical and get into field would bring great glory to our nation ! God bless you
I do believe that Luqman was quite harsh and direct during that programme and he should have shown some sensitivity. I thought content of the programme was appropriate and correct. SC has seen all the facts carefully and made the right decision. It should be applauded for making the right, not the popular decision. The participants of the show should be applauded as they have made a lot of effort and done reasonable amount of research on the matter .Sana clearly has just relied on media and NGO reports in this matter
I do understand that they are huge flaws in our system and it’s almost impossible to prove rape. We should work to abolish those flaws but NGOs are only interested in making money and just saying what western media wants.
“It is impossible to prove rape”… Tansheet Mustafa…which world do you live in? Of course it can be proven…through DNA and witnesses. All the police had to do was take her clothes and had them tested. AND the verdict of the jirga and the follow-through of their sentence IN FRONT OF OTHERS is proof!
Now I know why I never liked to hear him talk.
Mr. Lucman has only out agrassive and insulting tune to every one. You write good article but i have some reservation with you. It is not fault of Chief Justice of Pakistan but of our whole criminal justice system.
Mai should have taken clue from Phoolen devi. Pakistan is not better than India in any case. She also had facd same difficulties.
Dear Sana,
I don’t think Mr. Lucman is a journalist… talkshows have created dozens of so-called journalists like him who have simply created a ‘nuisance value’ in the media on the basis of their all non-sense behaviours, rude postures, shallow thinking and balatancy. Just recall Lucman of two three years back and everybody can assess his intellect and depth and real worth.
I fully agree with you, Lucman should be condemned by every sensible citizen of Pakistan.
Well done Sana, nice article
Mukhtaraan Mai an ill fated woman who is still searching for justice after several years. Men sodomised ; women raped but every time there’s roar that it’s against the image of Islamic Republic of Pakistan if someone raise the voice against these ills. It’s nothing but hypocrisy.
I so agree with your article Sana. Mr. Lucman has always annoyed me with the harsh tone he uses but this show of his went way too far to insult a woman who was proven to be raped.
Well Done Sana, An excellent article. Luqman’s show is not worth watching though!!
Bravo Sana. Lucman is not alone in his deep-rooted ignorance and this should go out to all of those who hold the same views on the Mai issue.
I dont know the details of SC judgment . All i know is that everytime i watched Luqman against his guests , i felt disappointed on the kind of journalism we present in the disquise of vibrant media.
Miss Sana , you portrayed Ms Luqman , as he is .
If the Supreme Court has acquitted those men then I don’t know why are the news channels and news papers making a fuss over it? If Mukhtara Mai feels that the court has not made the right decision then she certainly has the right to appeal for a review. I plead to all the new channels and news papers not to sensationlaize this news item and do not parade the poor woman in public.
I am in complete agreement with Sana!
Spot on sana..this happens when you try to imitate others rather than being yourself. Bullying participants is not journalism. But unfortunately every talk show one way or other tries to raise tensions and have confrontations on their talk shows. Shame on such journalism.
Good Article. An apology for just his opening statement is in order.
I think Lucman is abrasive; but then this seems to be the trend amongst anchors. You will not like to include them in your guest list for dinner!
As far as the Mai case is concerned, it is an unfortunate incident. But have not people used it to tarnish the image of Pakistan? This requires an honest answer. There is a rape incident in the USA every 2 minutes which translates into more than 200,000 rapes per year. How many times have we seen the victims doing world tours and telling horror stories about what happens to women in their country?
‘Tarnish’ is a word used to signify ill use, negligence & abuse. ‘Tarnishing of image’ will occur if such behaviors will prevail. If one chooses to/ condones/ remains complacent towards abusive and negligent behaviors then one cannot hope/expect to escape ‘tarnishing of images’. You can’t have your cake and eat it too!
Absolutely no! she Just ran out from the program on the 9th minute if you watch the tape. Why did she ran away every one is saying she is so brave but when the journalist started giving the reporting he did she just RAN and Lucman tried to connect to her but he was informed that she is giving interview to BBC Instead. please do watch the tape before being judmental. Its bad that the investigation by police was done poorly as well in the case of mukhrata mai
Bravo, Sana. This needed to be written – I hope Mubashar Lucman has an explanation to offer. The show was infuriating to say the least, and on a personal level it only stoked my general disenchantment with the men of our country. Every day I worry for my baby daughter – how can I raise her surrounded by this. God help us.
Despicable. Just plain despicable. The very channel that produces this show should remove Luqman, who doesn not appear to have any kind of jurnalistic intellect what so ever.
And bravo Sana for writing this article!
Thank you for putting Lucman in his place.
I am personally disappointed on Supreme Court’s judgment and their role in this case.
In fact I personally believe there should be only two outcomes of this debate. Either Mukhtaran Mai (MM) is right; SC should give her justice and punish the culprits!
However, if the point raised in the discussions, which MM seemed to have conveniently avoided by leaving the discussion room, that the most crucial evidence in this case i.e. the medical report was concocted 8-9 days after the incident, and all this is really a cooked up story and hyped by international media and NGOs.
This neither here nor there situation is doing nothing but causing more confusion and only enemies of Pakistan will benefit from it!
Excellent piece. Excellent demand. For all: the Dunya TV feedback page to register your sentiments:
http://www.dunyanews.tv/index.php?key=Q2F0SUQ9ZmI=
Sana Saleem , you want us to believe you and you views neglecting what Supreme Court decided, not just supreme court but High court too.
You want us to read you written story and not believe what investigative team had to say and what Pakistan represents.
Your letter should be closed. Baseless.
Good job Sana!! I think Mubashir Luqman should quit all forms of journalism after reading this article!!!
Sana u have indeed given a much needed and befitting reply to the “Pseudo Journalist” and the viewers and readers who possess insight of journalism know that such people are just desperate for cheap publicity and you would remember that their nepotism is very much evident from the fact that this person claims himself to be a journalist and was the only journalist who accepted a position in Musharraf’s caretaker cabinet as Punjab’s Information Minister when all his colleagues were out in the streets with black bands protesting against the usurpation of their freedom after November 3, 2007. You are absolutely right in clarifying that a sound headed person like you can never be a fan of Lukman’s show because argument, analysis and objectivity is nowhere to be seen in any of his programs which are always driven by political agenda of his clients, whatever it may be. Once again well done and keep it up!
very nice Blog Sana Saleem……
As Martin Lutahr King Said “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people”. Clearly we need more people like Sana to speak out as people like M Lucman are not going to be quiet.
after all are we not headed back to the time of pagans and jahiliyah when people had no respect for women’s right? – did we forget the teachings of the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him? – and an end to the feudal system is the final solution.
why just mubashir when the entire country seems to have no respect for the people of pakistan then the attitiude of one indivdual doesnt matter,our politicians and our govt. has become insensitive to the people of paksitan so dear mukhran mai it was not just u who was disgraced in public but we the people of pakistan are publicily humiliated every day
What has been said it’s enough to know that people now cannot be maneuver by few people only, we all as responsible citizen of Pakistan are bound not to accept whatever is shown, research and our own opinion is still important, Sana is having a valid point and we should also keep our eyes open on such shows so that no one could dare to think that being bias will not be noticed, these presenters have a responsibility to show facts , talk about facts, discuss about facts, uncover the facts which are not in the reach of an ordinary citizen rather making their show a masala plate…..
well done! sana! Did a great job.
I am in complete agreement with Sana, she wrote very rightly that Lucman lacks journalistic ethics and he makes false statments very darely.He uses a very harsh tone n try to assert his fake statments as true to guests……i dnt’ like him n left watching his show…..
Dear Sana,
Have you ever raised voice against his “unnecessarily harsh tone” against all the participants in his program earlier??? I am not here to defend any entity yet it seems as if you are pre-occupied in the lost love of Mukhtara Mai vis a vis women rights.A guy who is famous/notorious for his more than usual sarcastic overtones remains undeterred of the fact that his guest was any politician or any lady or Mukhtaran mai.he was doing it as he normally does….nothing was new in it.But i found your article to be unnecessarily harsh.The whole nation weeps in line with the poor lady but this is not the fault of Luqman or Iftikhar Ch…the system assists the powerful.and it needs to be improved.we should focus on that.and the media should remain neutral whatsoever…Was he maligned by you because he didn’t go in line with (and express) your level of frustration over the ruling????
please write something about the forgeries made by the powerful Mastois in the FIR and he case proceedings…..that would be more helpful for all of us.
Mr. Luqman has different tones which he sets keeping in view the position of the guest. During Musharaf Regime when he interviewed General Musharaf he wasn’t the ‘straight forward’ Luqnam he normally is. LNot only ethics of Journalism he often takes pride in crossing all ethical limits. He pretends to be an intellectual and enjoys showing his expertise on almost every issue on the Earth. He is an over confident asuedo intellectual who can’t help over acting.
Some times ago i was the regular viewer of Lucman’s show. But i found him very dare in his false statements which he shows in his tv show.
Thanks Sana for writing on the issue. Keep it up and GOD bless you.
Wow Sana, fanned. I have been a silent reader of yours for a while now. Justice has to come, it will come one day or the other. I hope God gives Mukhtara Mai and the numerous victims the strength to bear not only the injustice of the society but of our justice system as well. My heart goes out to her. I would love to see the day where men and women go side by side in all walks of life, where justice is served!
Mubashir Lucman has been talking on the same tone for a long time now …. why does people like Sana Saleem come out and write against Lucman when he is talking to guys in the same tone. Whats up with all this with women’s rights !!! Lucman recently did a great show on fake voters with imran khan also …great show by him. I think he is doing a great job. One bad show doesn’t make the whole show bad after all they have to do the show 5 days a week. All the shows cant be good all the time.
I have not seen this particular show but i have seen Mubashir Lucman shows and he has done some great shows in the past with some indept insights. If someone doesn’t like his show …it is very simple please turn off your tv.
Dear Sana Saleem,
I read your letter and found it authentic. I felt sorry for the way our mothers, sisters or daughters are being treated in today,s so called civilized world. We ought to respect the women because they deserve it.
Abdul Wahid Shabab
Well said sana… I would agree with you Sana about Mr.Lucman’s behavior. I find him to be very daring….. daring enough to increase the TRP of his channel. Mr.Lucman don’t jump around honking the same horn in all walks of life. They way you treat politicians is acceptable to the masses. But same behaviour is not acceptable for all including some victims of rate. I think you owe an apology.
Sana is right. Lucman kept saying himself that he knew little about the case. He should have done the basic research on the case. His guests were biased. The whole show, including selective use of half-quotes from Barker’s book, had an air of unprofessionalbehavior and incompetence.
There must be a thorough investigation of the high profiled NGOs running in the country. Who are funding them? What is their ‘bread and butter’? Noam Chomsky in his book ‘Media Control’ said that the people can easily be manipulated through propaganda and all around the globe they can be controlled as ‘bewildered herd’; sadly the case is no different today.
I also avoid luqman’s program bcoz i noticed he never does proper home work his knowledge and vision never sound clear, he at times rather most of the time insult his guest, recently i watched some glims of his programs which were related to Islam, and honestly speaking he seems so werid that without knowledgee he was just uttering and uttering and forcing his personal view of point in a very odd way, the ppl he invited were so called islamic scholor but their knowledge was also questionable and I felt he did it will fully so he can insult and reject arguments of that scholor easily.
I am proud of you Sana. You are the last hope for our country. We need a written apology from Mubashir Luqman and Duniya News as well for such a shame full conduct of Mai’s case.
Well done Sana!!!! n Lucman should do apologies!!!!!
good read Sana.but i belive if she made us a joke around the world and NGOs collected funds then its totaly our fault.
Mr Abdulaziz if a dearly loved one of yours, God forbid had to undergo the same trauma, would your reaction be the same?
We should not be emotional rather we should think rationally. In this particular case emotionality is bypassing rationality.
When the SC can summon Govt officials and call for additional details in many cases why did the honourable SC not pull up the Public Prosecutor and investigating agencies for shoddy collection and presentation of evidence.It is active when not neccessary and inactive when required.
Whatever the LUCMAN has natural style………that is not acceptable at any civilized society at any cost. I have seen few shows of Luccman from Business chanel to this one. He dont know ethics of journalism and even society. He should improve his body language and tone if not it is better to stop talk shows atleast. Wel done Mai …..Wel done Sana…………
Journalists should not disgrace their guests in order to make their shows exciting. This is shameful. These journalists play on the psychie of our masses which like “Hulla Gulla” and “Ho Ha” without sound logic and reasoning. It must stop immediately. It was not expected from Lucman who had been mostly found talking in favour of the wronged, the poor, the oppressed and the destitute. There are many examples. If he has done so,,,, it may mean he has fallen to something, which is a loss
Great Job! thumbs up!
Hats off to Sana Saleem. Pakistan needs women like her, couragious and in ful control of her words. Not only should the Lucman be proceeded against for using abusive language but also the channel should either fire him the channel should be banned.
Rashid Ghaznavi
Hats off to Sana Saleem. Pakistan needs women like her, couragious and in ful control of her words. Not only should the Lucman be proceeded against for using abusive language but also the channel should either fire him the channel should be banned.
i was never interested in watching Mr. Lucman show but after reading the background of this strong defensive reply i couldn’t really stop myself from viewing the show. This was for the first time when i watched this show and i must not say but believing on the free will truly speaking Mr. Lucman is one of those who manipulates people thoughts using the most affective Media and picks an antagonist and a protagonist to spice it. this reply is not concerning any of the above posts, this is the appreciation to the Journalism.
Sana,
you may have your points and you can certainly support such cases with evidence because of the sheer ignorance that exist in our society – and i will not defend it. But having seen the program (after your letter published at DAWN), i must admit he has asked very logical questions in an iloogical society, he was very clear when he said “i dont know the case” and that’s why he asked her to join the disucssion but what she did – guess you didnt watch that part – she left to give an interveiw to BBC.
If you are honest and knowledgable about such victims (espcially women) in pakistan, can you tell me how many of them have even heard of BBC (let alone have given a telephonic interview)?
so i think you have got my point. the only suggestion i would made is “IF GOD HAS GIVEN YOU QUALITIES TO WRITE THEN MAKE USE OF THOSE ABILITIES IN HIGHLIGHTING THE PROBLEMS AND NOT SUPPORTING THE PROPOGANDAS OF WEST”.
Hope you think about it.
Mr. Mubasshir has a good violently expressive kind of show that has a decent following and carries well when he dissects through politicians and beurocrats. Mukhtara Mai’s case was probably something to sensitive soft for him to handle…Mukhtara is a very very strong women and all of us should support her cause and NGO
I specifically didn’t viewed the episode under discussion, but the comments writer expressed about Mr. Luqman personality as a show-host are bold and honest. He usually gets too dominating during the show- forcing the guest to agree upon his point- and do sometime disrespect guest whom he personally dislike.
Sana
I just have lots of praise for you. You are indeed one of the very few sensible writers we have from Pakistan. I always enjoy when u put pen to paper 
More power and god bless 
Mubashir Luqman is a true man and Mubashir you rocks !!! keep doing your good work. and remember as much resisitence and hate you will get from public sometime choosing a right way is not without obstackles and anger.
Luqman has attitude problem; and he does not know how to behave people. nor he knows the ABC of journalism’s ethics. I don’t know how he has become an anchor and why Dunia Channel has hired him.
Well written Sana !!!!!!
I agree with the writer that Mr. Lucman never has any background information on any subject. Once while interviewing Late Prof Israr, he came up with some questions that made no sense, and whenever Prof Israr proved him or his knowledge wrong, he didn’t even let the man finish his reply. Private channels should at the least hire right man for the right job.
well done Sana for printing this letter I hope Lucman can frame it and reads it every day and hopes none of his loved one has to face the same ordeal as Mai’s . If Lucman was a host of a talk show in USA he would be unemployed by now .
Excellent article. Please keep writing as these could be the only bright spots in a yellow ridden Pakistani media.
Mubashir Lucman did very well. His tone, body language is natural because he speaks very clear and true about any body. I myself watched that program inwhich Mai case was discussed and my opinion is that the progran was excellent.
Wow… that speaks volumes about your own intellect… keep it up… or rather down i should say,,,
I would agree with Ms.Sana about Mr.Lucman’s behavior. I find him to be very daring….. daring enough to increase the TRP of his channel. Mr.Lucman don’t jump around honking the same horn in all walks of life. They way you treat politicians is acceptable to the masses. But same behaviour is not acceptable for all including some victims of rate. I think you owe an apology.
i completely support the feedback about Mubashir Luqman cheap show, its a completely lame show and this guy is attention hungry, biased and tend to do follow the run of the mill approach with the aggressive tone and body language.
most of his shows are without any ground knowledge of the topic and study, the most funny thing is that lot of his shows topics are based on the you-tube videos. also most of the time his show are biased, and supportive to politicians he support rather taking the facts in notice.
i support Mai’s struggle and truly believe the appeal against the verdict.
Concise but with a strong message!
I’ve had the chance to watch a few shows of Mr. Lucman’s show and with his utter disrespect and frustratingly offensive and low blows, not once has he disappointed those who are firm in their view that he’s entirely uncouth.
Though, I was still shocked after watching this show of his.
He needs to apologise publicly!
Keep going with the vigour!
Your posts are highly enlightening and refreshing, much-needed in these days of people like Lucman.
great written by Sana Saleem. Keep up the good work.
Can Ms Sana Saleem also tell us about the elite women rights activists, who usurped Ms Mai’s money donated to her by philanthropists in the early days?
Haven’t they too cashed in on Ms Mai’s sad case?
Everyone’s ratings and fame are based on someone’s rape and murder.
Why do you Sana Saleem then behave “holier than thou”???
How is your response related to sana’s letter. Oh wait you’re one of the ‘illogical’ ones right?
wow!are u suggesting that Ms Sans “usurped”or aided in covering up some sort of money extortion that she now cannot voice her opinion?because it seems holier that thou???cause thats what it seems like in your last comment.
and BTW if no one acts holier ,we end up being as bad as each other
Well said Batool
Think hard Mr. Khattak before saying anything. Or maybe you are also one of those like Mr. Luc….man
Not sure why everyone’s upset with SC. Any court, any where, needs evidence. The collection of evidence is the duty of the prosecutors and the police. The police didn’t collect enough evidence (maybe deliberately) and hence the rapists have gone free. Feel bad for Mukhtara, but don’t berate the judiciary. Berate the system, the processes and the politicians who are not willing to change the system. And finally berate the deep state for taking in all funding and not leaving enough for the public departments so that the public departments might progress too.
well said.
Agree 100%
Thanks Sana, rightly highlighted the facts, some of the talk show host consider themselves as a champion of media or journalism. However they look to me paid host to the specific talk show and tried to enforce their own theme or idea or to protect others who does not required to be protected, this type of host, politicians, bureaucrats, leaders, son, father and brother must be shamed publically by each and every innocents Pakistani’s.
Sana Please keep up posting such articles, infect this is a long way to our dreamed Pakistan, but we must keep our hopes high and keep highlighting such stigma socially unaccepted personalities.
Dear Miss Sana,
i would like make some comments about the show . Mr Lucman was certainly had his mind made up about MS. Mai and was very judgmental in his questions towards her and about the entire ordeal. this is a true reflection of male attitude towards woman’s plights , which has not changed in so many years. I might also ask Mr. Lucman that how he would have handled the entire issue if this heinous crime would have happened to one of his family members?i am pretty sure he would see things from a very different perspective.
Welldone Sana, shame Luqman.
Thank you Sana, I had the same feeling about Lucman’s style, one doesn’t need to adopt the language & tone of those who we are trying to expose, he has don some good work but as a journalist, he needs go to basic school of journalism ethics and mannerism.
absolutely agree with sana. Lucmans introduction of her managed to offend me deeply. There was no compassion whatsoever. He definitely professed loose journalism which he must be wary of. He influences the minds of thousands and millions watching and he MUST learn to be responsible in what views he is offering to the masses.
mais case is not perfect but she is still a rape victim and deserves compassion if nothing else.
@Ahmed ..Pakistan is not even in the list…the countries mentioned in the list are the ones which truthful police lodgements. In Pakistan rape are mostly NOT registered (FIR) as police cases b/c of police harassment etc. Lucman governs his show for financial gains & rating and everyone knows there is no two ways of journalism about him or his show.
We are proud of you Sana. Shame on Lucman. Muktara Mai is her who in spite of this tragic incident is teaching 500 girls how to read and write. Lucman has zero contribution to his country. He deserves no respect.
this z luqmanz usual style. he z always full of half truths. he bombard his guests with questions but never let them answer or clarify their point. he always try to keep the the camera n mike focused on himself. but best thing we could do here z stop watching hiis programme. that would for sure teach him a lesson
Hats off Sana and shame on Mubashir Luqman
Now, this is called use of good dramatised words to earn sympathy out of blue….Criticizing on insights of someone when you really have no insights or don’t want to bring insights to the real world is something you did perfectly but sorry to say “Don’t use your Country to blur the wind of your view and direction”
Bravo Sana Saleem
I really salute that women to come up and gather the courage to speak about such an issue on our society. But we must realise that its a long road to fair and quick judicial system, and we must never loose hope.
Nothing can I say but YES Mr Lucman a public apology & the owners of Lucman’s media outlet too owe a similar apology!!
Salute….Sana Saleem
Thank you Sana for enlightening everyone with facts. I have watched quite a few programs of Mubashir Luqman and I have always got an impression that he is trying to instigate hate against his guests. I once saw a programme with a PML N part member and while I do not support PML N at all, it seemed that Mubashir Lucman’s total purpose to do the programme was to ridicule his guest. He would not let him speak and was using a particularly harsh tone.
Unlike other journalists he always seemed completely biased against his guests. I have also seen a programme where he went and tried to defame Imran Khan’s genuine flood relief efforts by showcasing an empty camp which later was exposed by PTI workers as a bus stand with a PTI flag. The actual elaborate camp was a few hundred yards away from that spot and there were proper facilties and many people there to get aid.
I think he should be banned from being a host. He doesn’t add any value.
Mr.Luqman, shame on you
Nice choice of words – Firm, Stern and Determined! Well done Sana. Keep up the good work and God bless you.
Dear Sana
Bravo. This guy needed his ‘dose’ and you’ve just given him.
Keep hammering these social evils, we are with you.
You have all my respect and admiration.
We should stop watching his program.
What is the difference between a Jirga of illietrate men and a judge of the supreme court of Pakistan…..None. All Pakistanis who think Mukhtar Mai embarrased us should know that this verdict didn’t exactly make us proud!
welldone sana!
even i watched the show with utmost disgust for Lucman…I wonder why he’s still an anchor…He also glorifies the declared cheats aka Salman Butt, Amir and Asif….
Shame on you Luqman.
I totally agree that Mr. lucman is totally wrong here but i dont think that Ms. Mai is right either.. And for you i will say that two wrongs do not make a right.
I just did a little search on google and i got this latest list of highest rate victims per /1000 in world
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_rap_percap-crime-rapes-per-capita
and i see Australia, UK, Canada, America, France etc in Top 15. and i was just wandering when we had a rape victim from these countries coming for sympathy vote. ??
Certainly we have to remove all the ills from our society but without selling ourselves.
Thank You for reading.
Well i kinda agree with you here, but the top 15 countries you mention have atleast a proper judical system. Where as in our country only strong can survive if only the educated class would rise up against these jirgas and corrupt justice system then we can see some reforms, otherwise people will do what they feel is right.
Dear Mr. Ahmad
The number of cases actually reported in Pakistan could be much lower than actual incidents of such crime. It is much harder to raise your voice in a society like Pakistan (especially so for a woman).
Mai should get justice regardless of whether she received any awards or grants or not.
The use of words like “selling ourselves” in the context of Mai’s struggle seems inappropriate to me..
The number of cases reported in Pakistan could actually be higher as well, because due to family feuds and feuds over land, people register such cases against their opponents just to pressurize the other party.
v well sana…and shame on u lucman.must have regrets
not rape cases ! are you serious? in Pakistan no one would say that their women got raped…
They will kill themselves, the rape victims, etc rather than admit that their honour was maligned (in their perception).
You’re joking right? I’m sorry but I can’t agree with that statement, and I’m sure not many others could either. It’s a well known fact that rapes go un-reported ALL the time because of the stigma that comes with it. Very unfortunate indeed.
Ahmad! Did your research also say that these rape victims in the West were raped on the orders of a Jirga?? Please dont compare them to Mukhtar Mai as she was a victim of our Male dominated society. No one in the Western world get their women folk raped to settle Disputes and they laws dont discriminate against Genders. Please do research more for your own good.
this show was appalling. I couldn’t believe how insulting he was to Ms. Mai. shame on him. my heart bled for Mai. she looked so lonely. Mai, you are a courageous person. you have gone through a lot but don’t lose hope. many Pakistanis feel for you and love you for your strength, courage and your pursuit of justice. don’t feel alone, we all love you.
Luqman is a shameless person. Good job Sana!! Keep it up…
Not only Lucman but his channel also must apologize for allowing him to appear on the show in first place. The truth is that most of the hosts appearing on a plethora of Pakistani channels do not qualify to host such shows and it is sometimes a disgrace to human intelligence to even watch their shows. Lucaman is certainly one of those guys.
Khan, Hong Kong
Great Article.
I have watched this man’s show countless times and I must say he is the prime example of bad journalism in this country and i am not surprized by his remarks, his tone or his overall “show”. The channel probably does not have any better fillers since they are reduced to airing this totally nonsense show. He is almost always disrespectful to most of his female guests on the show and generally un-prepared most of time. He and his show are a joke and he as well as the channel should be ashamed of themselves for their conduct towards this brave brave woman.. May God be with her.
Shame on you Lucman.. you have no respect in the eyes of the open-minded and the educated audience.
keep up the good writing sana..
all the best.
I agree with Sana, even though he himself has been enjoying luxuries of a ministry during Musharraf’s illegal regime but when points his finger towards politician he forgets what he himself has been doing! Many many issues that he brings to public make sense but the presentation of facts clearly shows the biasness, he is among those few who talk to talk people on the guest seat as if they are beggars or his servants. I dont know how people who are working with him tolerate his this attitude. He is so called senior Journalist now, he should know, how a host should talk to a guest… Whatever happened to Mai’s case, was right or wrong, decision of court suits her or not was not his issue nor of any other Pakistanis, Mai has the right to go back to court and challenge it… I don’t, simply don’t believe, that Mubashir Lucman is an unbiased, honest, true journals. He criticized everyone as if doing this is his right but once when I I criticized him on his facebook he blocked me, in fact he blocked his wall so that I cant write there, Mubashir, if you criticize other learn taking criticism also..
ok here is the thing, when it comes to matters where one has to think deep before taking a side, ML’s morality gives in, I was flabbergasted when I saw him on program covering attacks on the Ahmadiyya mosques last year. He may be all shiny on his talk show but on moral grounds but personally I think he needs to go back to college and get a degree in mannerism, and I mean it. Good one Sana
I have seen many episodes of Lucman’s popular talk show in Dunya TV posted in you tube. When I saw the talk show regarding Mukhtar Mai similar feelings crept into my mind but being an Indian my criticism had no meaning. This fellow Mubashir in another talk show regarding Muslim men marrying four times had such outdated and bigot views that no civilsed man can easily digest. To me he looks to be a very overconfident, misguided and partisan host that he never allows views of dissent in his show. He is defaming whole journalism currently prevaling in Pakistan.
What do you people expect from Mr Lucman. After the attack on ahmadis in lahore, he invited an ahmadi on the show, and the very next programme , there were mullahs condemning ahmadis, all over again. Such an shame he’s become, by this Mukhtar Mai episode.
Vienna,26-04-2011
My salute to you Sana Saleem.Brave girl. I am reminded of the late assassinated Phulan Devi.
I hope Pakistani authorities at least give good security cover to Mukhtar Mai. I hope without
taking sides, Pakistani men and women stand behind the aggrieved victim of obscurantism.
If Pakistan has Jirgas India has its Hindu hooligan counterparts known as khap panchayats.
They interact beyond the borders. Taravadu Taranga Trust for Media monitoring, TTTMM.
-Kulamarva Balakrishna
Sana, god bless you. We are with you! People like Lucman are not alone either. I hope you get this article published in an urdu newspaper as well. Majority of the men in this country carry the same prejudice against women just as lucman do.
So, keep up the good work!
Sana the problem is not with Luckman, he presented one angle of this very inhuman incident.Problem is with our society. Why nobody points out the corruption of the system, why the police and the politicians of that particular area and that part of this inhuman incident is never highlighted that way.Sana my dear please do not look at the appreance of the thing, go after the root cause. The media is a mad house now a days and you will not find people like Ta,alat Hussain or Haroon Rasheed but still in race to show more and extra ordinary the media is presenting incidents to think and work to rectify the problems.
Lucman’s questioning was aweful. I watched the entire interview and felt from the presenter down to the other male guests were disrespectful towards Mukhtara Mai. Lucman and the male guests should do the descent thing and apologise to her. That she walked out was the right hting to do for any self-respecting woman.
Mr. Lucman, you must apologise or quit journalism
Hats of to Mai and Sana , and shame on Luqman.
Sana a very well written article.
i cannot expect such remarks from Lucman and if he really said all this then he should apologize to mai and all those who have been hurt by his derogatory remarks..
I still don’t think Luqman owes an apology for agreeing with Musharraf’s view of ‘you don’t wash your dirty linen in public’. As a Pakistani outside Pakistan, I can tell you such news does embarass us on a national level. It is to be dealt with by the courts, legislators, not the press.
About time we, as a nation, learned to agree to disagree.
So the rape victims should continue to suffer because you might get ‘embarrassed’ sitting there in the UK/US and enjoying full security and rights?
Ps. These people come to the press because the judicial system is not providing justice.
so why is it only for rape victims if we have to agree with your proposition than no one should complain about murder, kidnapping and any other sort of crime because it may embarass you in western countries. instead of coming forward and supporting those women who have suffered this tragedy you are in fovour of siliencing them for their so called prestige
i belive we need to wake up now bcoz lot of damage has already been done to the society by us n now we need to sort the issues out by taking bold steps mate, its better to face the reality instead of hiding our heads in to the sand, another thing we will be keep embarrassing ourselves untill we will fix these all of problems collectivlly.
I second that.
I think with us the case is more “disagree to agree” than “agree to disagree” a slightly different dimension. I live outside pakistan as well and face such debates everyday, but that does not mean that you keep victimizing the victims. We have to face the dirt to be able to clean it. Sana! this is a usual trick of Lucman to malign the notables without sufficient facts because it sells. It is the game of ratings. Allah ussay aur hamain sub ko hidayat de
Totally disagree with this comment. people should continue to suffer just because a so-called group of people feel embarassed.?
Iam not sure about who this Lucman is, But I total agree with you Sana, your article delivered a strong jet of Spit on him. Iam sure he is not a thick skinned buffalo he will apologize, eventually .Kudos to you Sana.
It seems blogger intention is to just malign Mubashar for other reasons and you pick up this mukhtaran mai episode. Since you are not an avid viewer of his show you must note that without continuous following of his show, you cannot criticize an intellectual person based on 1 wording.
Thank You.
Brilliant article Sana. I do like Lucman’s talkshows but I haven’t seen any lately. I am surprised that a person like Lucman can also have such a negative thinking about women. Here I am definitely not with him. He should better read the full case and apologise. Sana, keep it up.
Yes, it’s not uncommon sight watching Mr.Lucman launch strident broadside against his participants and gesticulating belligerently at his guests. By doing so, perhaps he purports to portray himself as ‘courageous’ journalist. This image, however, takes a battering when, to one’s utter dismay and disgust, one watches him conducting a marathon interview of a London based self exiled politician. If anyone wants to see meekness, servitude and obsequiousness plumbing to new depths, i recommond you to watch that interview of his, available on Youtube.
Shame on this Lucman. Shame on such ‘journalists’. I never watch show their shows anyway but this is just plain ridiculous.
i completely agree with you Mr.Lucman should apologize…
Well done Sana. Having read this, I don’t want to waste time watching Lucman and spoil my day. Although I have not watched this particular show, I agree with your opinion of him based upon my reading of his attitude in previous shows. One can expect even worse from him. He is utterly devoid of sensibility, sensitivity and empathy. One always wonders what was it that the selectors took into consideration while giving him this particular job. The TV channel should provide him some basic training in proper manners of conversation and interaction with fellow beings before presenting him to public.
Salute to Sana
Luqman u r just a person with loud mouth without brain
totally agreed with Sana Saleem and one thing is really ashmed for all of us that we are still living in this men dominating society……….. very well said that his tone , ethics are shamefull which is not representing any generalism culture…… host like luqman are just speakers for money………. who ever offered handsome amount he wil speak as per requirement.
Brilliant article. Does anyone get the feeling that Lucman has started to think too much of himself ? Mr. Lucman, 60% of the population unfortunately is uneducated in Pakistan. The way you host shows, with arrogance, attitude and an abrasive personality, and degrade the guests in every show, there is no doubt you are amongst those unfortunate 60%.
im definitly agreed with you, may i also add bit more about the scrupulous male dominated society in pakistan, i realy dont understand that how these educated intellectuals are treating the women the same way as others do, which is absolutly unacceptable,womens are being equally treated in respectfull way in civilized world but unfortunatly its not happening in my beloved country, one thing to be sure is that we cant move forward untill unless we wont get rid of double standard and hypocritic way of thinking and i know its not that easy to be changed and it will take ages n ages, anywayz hope for the best and pray from the god to give us broad vision n positive thinking to accept the changes in society, god bless u all.
I am an Indian and a faithful reader of Dawn. I see a lot of similarity in court proceedings in India where many a time the verdicts are astonishing. The guilty are let off reportedly due to lack of irrefutable evidence.
I have only admiration for people like Mukhtar Mia who stood up against such odds. May others draw inspiration from her!
I will not waste my time on ‘ Mubashir Lucman’ .
Well done, Sana.
Its a routine matter in our talk show that most of the host just for the sake of their program rating just forget the ethics and rules of journalism. Most of them do not even know or just evade the basic difference between a news and a rumor. Lucman is one of them.
Have heard Mr. Hamid Mir asking children the victims of earthquakes the question that what happened to them? Instead of consoling them or try to get them out of trauma, he was making them more stressed.
Thanks Sana for putting it down!
Good writing Sana. Its good to know that we have ladies like yourself in our nation, brilliant, sensitive and sensible.
Actually media also become one of the stong pillar of power and it has the capacity to distort the facts and take a bias view to confuse general public and divide them this is what happening nowadays . Indeed Sana got time and courage to reinforce those facts i wish him all the best in her struggle .Well done SANA.I fully support your views.
Sana, I highly appreciate you for raising voice about shameful act of our media. I feel ashamed whenever I look towards media in Pakistan.
sana i need your permission to publish this article in my newely launched english daily from peshawar. excellent article. if u need any details regarding the paper, u contact @ my email. i salute u for this great/wounderful article and wish u best of luck. May Allah Bless u and all.
i have no words for this Anchor :O
Mr.Lucman is the anchor who just know how to make use of his One hour online and cash it out.
(Agree)
Sarah… 100% Agreed
you are a little tigress, completely agree with you. Lucman represents our national mentality must be condemned. PUBLIC APOLOGY LUCMAN!!
I salute such a bold. My respects and best wishes for Sana.
Support your view. This was wrong of Mr. Lucman. His shows are usually good, but this one needs some ‘aplogizing’ by Mr to Mam Muktara Mai.
Sana Saleem has done will to take up cudgels on behalf of Mukhtara Mai, and in the process, she has highlighted the evils of journalism in Pakistan.
I agree
Sister Sana, This is well written letter and thoroughly studied . Mr.Lucman is the anchor who just know how to make use of his One hour online and cash it out.
I salute you for this open letter to this Journalist.
Agreed.. Excellent Work ! One could easily tell that he was not aware of the facts of the Mai’s case. He should indeed apologies
I fully support your point of view. Lucman was not fair while talking about a great iron lady like Mai
His conduct is heinous. He sits there defending the supreme court. It is because of people like these that one struggles with finding the slightest ray of hope in this country. But I doubt an apology is forthcoming. We really need a media watchdog body in Pakistan.
You mean reported cases amounting to “2,903 women who were raped in 2010 alone and may never get justice.” The real numbers would likely be in multiples of the figure you have quoted!
I have to admit, this is one of the best articles I have read this month. Properly written Sana and thank you for the stats.
I have absolutely no respect for Lauqman and that is not just after this show but due to several of his remarks in the years gone by. I believe it is time, he is made to rethink a lot of stuff that he says in a rush of adrenaline.
Sana u r a brave girl. Continue writing against all the wrongs. We r way behind in every thing. Lack of education, no thinking, people r just passing the days one after the other, waiting for something to happen itself, without any efforts. This is our state of mind set.
May Allah bless all. Wassalaam.
Shame on you Lucman!
great article Sana.
keep on the good work!
we need more people like Sana for sanity in Pakistan