Critics Moot Absa Komal to Marry Taliban Spokesperson
Journalist Amber Shamsi asked to list down the names of male representatives who were gendered attacks for interviewing Taliban since a very long time
Twitter blew hot and cold as some critics suggested Pakistani anchorperson Absa Komal to marry Afghan Taliban Spokesperson Suhail Shaheen after her exclusive interview with him.
The Taliban spokesperson was asked to shed light on the political and social situation in Afghanistan and how much importance will be given to the women’s rights once the group comes into power.
However, the interview left few analysts, journalists and critics disgruntled as they opposed the idea of giving room to the Taliban on a national channel.
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Some of them even suggested Absa Komal to marry the influential Taliban spokesperson and continue interviewing him on several occasions.
Looking forward to tying the knot of this anchor with S. Shaheen. The striking feature of this wedding would be the posing of couple for the photo session🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/8llWb40jLN
— Abdullah Khan (@Abdulla28173826) July 16, 2021
On the flip side, some media personalities extended their support for Absa Komal and commented that if male anchors interviewing Taliban is acceptable then the same criteria should be for females too.
Woman journalists have been easy target for misogynists. These apparently educated men have attacked @AbsaKomal just because she interviewed spokesperson of Taliban. I, as journalist fellow, strongly condemn this misogyny and stand with Absa who is brilliant journalist pic.twitter.com/7Lr5Tnw5D3
— Naimat Khan (@NKMalazai) July 17, 2021
A journalist’s job is to ask questions. Whether it’s a jailed inmate or a celebrated Nobel laureate.
For female journalists, attacks are almost always gendered & somehow end up talking abt family, marriage, children, body etc.
Sad to see Absa going through this. https://t.co/Zq9JPoWAVp
— Mahwash Ajaz 🇵🇰 (@mahwashajaz_) July 18, 2021
Agree with @OwaisTohid. Journalists have a right to interview newsmakers. @AbsaKomal should be commended for her interview. More power to her 👍 https://t.co/9yHlHBVcXo
— Fahd Husain (@Fahdhusain) July 18, 2021
Journalist Amber Shamsi asked to list down the names of male representatives who were gendered attacked for interviewing Taliban since long.
I would like to see how many male anchors had gendered attacks directed at them for an interview. Typical pattern of misogyny that makes being a female journalist so difficult.
Full support to @AbsaKomal https://t.co/tDCW7SoDQo
— Amber Rahim Shamsi (@AmberRShamsi) July 18, 2021
Lastly, Absa Komal clarified that she wasn’t following any orders in reply to activist Nida Kirmani’s tweet and concluded that her team will try to incorporate the comment of Afghan officials soon.
I was NOT following any orders. https://t.co/PUVE6nf1BH
— Absa Komal (@AbsaKomal) July 18, 2021
