Journalist’s ‘insulting’ remark to PTI leader sparks online debate

A political talk show host’s barbed remarks to a PTI lawmaker ignited a debate over journalistic ethics. During her show, host Fiza Khan told PTI leader Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel that his party considered former US president Donald Trump their “Abba Jee [father].”

Mastikhel had been invited to present his party’s narrative. When asked about Trump, he explained that PTI was not relying on him for political support. Midway, Khan interrupted and said, “Trump ko aap abba jee samajhte hain [You consider Trump your father].”

Initially, Mastikhel ignored the comment and continued speaking. However, the host interrupted again, accusing PTI of once claiming Trump would help secure Imran Khan’s release from prison, but now downplaying him after his refusal.

Read more: Imran Khan’s sons think Trump can help free their father

When Khan repeated the “Abba Jee” remark, Mastikhel asked her to withdraw her words. Receiving no apology, he removed his microphone and walked off set, while the host continued repeating her comment.

The incident quickly went viral, with social media users condemning the host for disrespect and bias.

اگر یہ لڑکی رپورٹنگ، ڈیسک ایڈیٹوریل اور صحافتی ایتھیکس سیکھنے کے بعد سکرین پر آتی تو ایک معزز ممبر قومی اسمبلی سے یہ کیوں کہتی کہ ٹرمپ آپ کا باپ ھے!
پتہ نہیں کس نے سنو ٹی وی کے سکرین پر کچھ سکھائے بغیر بٹھا دیا
لیکن پہلے چینل کے جنرل صاحبان کو تو سکھا دیں pic.twitter.com/i24h0gvI2j

— Hammad Hassan (@HammadHassan30) August 10, 2025