When Edhi Saab departed, it was a huge blow for Pakistan. The iconic humanitarian left behind a void that is yet to be filled.
When Bollywood legend Sridevi passed away recently, it was a huge blow to Indian cinema.
These two instances have absolutely nothing in common, as the two personalities were from different walks of life.
However, there is one striking similarity that has been highlighted. It is the unfortunate way in which the two deaths were reported by media personnel in Pakistan and India.
Here’s a tweet that highlights this similarity:
This Pakistani journo entering grave of Abdul Sattar Edhi and this Indian journo entering a bathtub to illustrate Sridevi's death are great metaphors for the state of the media in the two countries. pic.twitter.com/ltYGOO2QfG
— Siddharth Singh (@siddharth3) February 27, 2018
The first screengrab is apparently of a Pakistani reporter, entering Edhi Saab’s grave.
The second is an Indian reporter trying to illustrate Sridevi’s’ death by entering a bathtub.
(In case you aren’t all caught up, Sridevi’s cause of death has been cited as “accidental drowning.”)
Matlab, hadh hai. However, if you think that’s it, you’d be wrong. Other Twitter users shared these tweets:
— imran hassan (@jutt41) February 27, 2018
He's not alone.. pic.twitter.com/fbEvIAdyhB
— All Hail the King! (@prucrastinator) February 28, 2018
That’s how some Indian reporters chose to broadcast updates about Sridevi’s’ death.
When people saw the tweet, they weren’t too happy.
lolz matlab kuch bhi….
RIP electronic media reporting— Farrukh Rz (@FarrukhRz) February 28, 2018
While some pointed out the similarities between Pakistan and India…
Great example that both nations share common womb!
— Rohit M (@RohitMZX) February 27, 2018
Cc @moodee_q Miss, like I said yesterday. India and Pakistan certainly have a lot of things in common. ?
— Jawad Akhtar Tariq (@JawadATariq) February 27, 2018
…others couldn’t help but focus on how terrible this truly is for both nations.
71 years and both countries learn nothing. Same type of media, corrupt politicians. Religious extremists on both sides. #Pakistan #India
— Suleman Ilyas (@SulemanIlyasAwn) February 28, 2018
Both have gone mad…. Stop playing with feelings of the deceased families. Shame shame shame….. Only rating game for their channels.
— ehsaannoor (@ehsaaannnooor) February 28, 2018
However, there seemed to be mutual agreement over the fact that this display of invasive and insensitive journalism was piteous.
I pity these journalists.
— M (@BrightDays19) February 28, 2018
What a pity…
— Wajiha (@WajihaTehsin) February 28, 2018
Getting a story out first and presenting it in a unique way is understandable. However, we must ask ourselves: where do we draw the line? What is your take on this? Let us know in the comments below.
This Heartbreaking Tribute To Edhi Is The Most Important Thing You’ll See Today
This is How Google Is Celebrating Abdul Sattar Edhi’s Birthday Across The World Today
For similar stories, check out Wajood on Facebook.