# Veteran Pakistani Journalist Slams Media Blackout of TLP Stir, Says People Relying on Indian TV Channels for Info
**Posted on October 15, 2025**
In a stark revelation that underscores the deepening chasm between Pakistan's state-controlled media and its citizens' quest for truth, veteran journalist Hamid Mir has publicly condemned the government's alleged censorship of coverage on the ongoing Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protests. Mir, a prominent anchor known for his fearless commentary on Geo News and a survivor of multiple attacks for his reporting, stated that Pakistani viewers are turning to Indian television channels to grasp the scale of the unrest gripping Lahore and other cities. This admission, shared via a video on his personal channel, highlights a troubling irony: in a nation where media is often touted as "freer" than its neighbor's, blackouts are forcing cross-border information-seeking.
The TLP stir, which erupted last week, has seen thousands of supporters of the hardline Islamist group march against perceived government inaction on religious issues, leading to violent clashes that have claimed dozens of lives, including police officers. Yet, as Mir points out, domestic airwaves remain eerily silent, with TV channels barred from airing footage or discussions. "Lahore is the heart of Pakistan, and a massive demonstration is underway there. If you have to watch Indian TV channels for information about the protest, then it indeed warrants a discussion," Mir lamented, directing his ire at the Shehbaz Sharif administration.
## The Anatomy of the Blackout: Censorship in the Spotlight
Pakistan's media landscape has long navigated a tightrope between state oversight and journalistic integrity, but the TLP coverage—or lack thereof—marks a particularly brazen clampdown. According to Mir, orders from higher authorities have explicitly prohibited Pakistani outlets from broadcasting visuals of the protests, which have paralyzed parts of Punjab's capital and spread to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. This isn't an isolated incident; PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) has a history of issuing directives to mute sensitive stories, from PTI election coverage to critiques of the military's influence.
Mir's video, which quickly went viral on social media despite platform restrictions, paints a picture of desperation among viewers. "People are switching to Indian channels like India Today and Times Now to see what's happening in their own backyard," he revealed. This cross-border reliance isn't just anecdotal—it's a symptom of eroded trust in local media, where self-censorship has become the norm to avoid raids, arrests, or worse. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's media arm, has even boasted about Pakistan's "freer" press compared to India's, a claim Mir's critique brutally undermines.
The TLP itself adds layers to this narrative. Founded in 2015, the group has a track record of leveraging religious fervor for political leverage, often with tacit establishment support to destabilize civilian governments. Banned multiple times yet resilient, TLP's latest agitation demands stricter blasphemy enforcement, drawing crowds that overwhelm law enforcement. Clashes have resulted in over 20 deaths, including eight policemen in Lahore alone, with the group accusing authorities of "anti-Islam" policies.
## Why This Matters: A Blow to Press Freedom and Public Trust
Mir's outspokenness comes at a personal cost—he's no stranger to peril, having been shot in 2012 for his Taliban coverage and briefly detained in 2020 amid similar censorship rows. His critique arrives amid broader concerns over media suppression in Pakistan. Just last year, ahead of the February elections, journalists reported blanket bans on PTI coverage, with instructions to label candidates as "independents" sans party affiliation. Exiled reporters like Aftab Iqbal now beam critiques from Dubai via YouTube, evading the crackdown but highlighting the exodus of bold voices.
For ordinary Pakistanis, this blackout fosters misinformation and isolation. In an era of fragmented news consumption, turning to Indian channels—often viewed with suspicion due to bilateral tensions—signals a profound failure of domestic journalism. It echoes global patterns, from Kashmir's 2019 internet shutdowns to Myanmar's Rohingya coverage curbs, where information vacuums breed chaos. Human rights groups like Reporters Without Borders rank Pakistan 152nd out of 180 in press freedom, citing "intimidation and harassment" as key threats.
Economically, the stir exacerbates Pakistan's woes: road blockades disrupt supply chains in a country already reeling from inflation above 20% and IMF bailout strings. Politically, it pressures Sharif's fragile coalition, especially with PTI's Imran Khan languishing in jail and alleging similar media muzzling.
## Broader Ramifications: Cross-Border Media and the Fight for Truth
This episode flips the script on Indo-Pak media dynamics. While Indian outlets have faced flak for sensationalism during past escalations—like the 2019 Pulwama aftermath or May 2025 border skirmishes—here, they're inadvertently serving as a lifeline for Pakistani audiences. Mir's admission could stoke diplomatic friction, with hawks in Islamabad decrying "foreign propaganda," yet it also spotlights a universal truth: when local media falters, people seek alternatives, borders be damned.
As the TLP protests simmer, calls for accountability grow. Mir has urged fellow journalists to resist, tweeting: "Silence on TLP is not neutrality; it's complicity." International watchdogs, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, have echoed this, demanding PEMRA lift restrictions. For now, the stir rages on, with Indian screens providing the unfiltered view Pakistanis crave.
In a divided subcontinent, moments like these remind us that information knows no frontiers. Will Mir's voice spark reform, or deepen the chill on free speech? Only time—and perhaps an uncensored broadcast—will tell.
What's your take on media blackouts in tense regions? Share in the comments—let's discuss without the filters.
*Sources: Insights from Moneycontrol and related coverage on Pakistani media freedoms.*
