Paras Jahanzaib recently disclosed the real reason behind her removal from Suno TV in a viral YouTube video. Contrary to claims that she was taken off-air due to the channel’s financial crisis, she revealed that the real issue was her bold questioning that challenged the government and its policies—something that was unacceptable to certain government circles.
As the pressure on Suno TV’s management increased day by day, she was eventually asked to leave the channel. While her dismissal was officially attributed to financial difficulties, Jahanzaib insisted that this was merely a cover for government pressure.
In recent months, other outspoken journalists, including Habib Akram, Samina Pasha, and Kashif Abbasi, have also been removed from news channels. Media owners often have vested interests, including long-term deals involving government advertisements, which serve as a blackmailing tool used by the government to influence editorial policies.
On the other hand, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, in a talk show with Asma Shirazi on Hum News, denied any government involvement in Jahanzeb’s removal. He claimed that Suno TV was facing financial pressure, making Jahanzeb a financial burden on the channel.
Jahanzaib, however, stood by her claims, stating:
“As journalists, we have to question those in power, but sometimes, in doing so, we become the news ourselves.”
She further added:
“News organizations have always operated under certain red lines that shouldn’t be crossed. However, more such lines are being drawn now.”
Despite these challenges, Jahanzaib expressed gratitude to the colleagues who stood by her, including Razi Dada, Umar Cheema, Arif Hameed Bhatti, and Salman Ghani, since her removal from the airwaves.
