I was off twitter for most of yesterday so missed the real-time twists and turns of the Real Housewives of Bahria. The interest in this lurid story is understandable, the outrage against the media less so. I’ll explain why. #UzmaKhan 1/7

Tabloid fodder:
An extra-marital affair, leaked videos, an outraged wife w guards, breaking & entering, assault, threats of rape, a model/actor, a well-connected property tycoon and his incestuous family, elite privilege, a missing husband, celebrity lawyers, a delayed FIR. 2/7

Alternative media platform The Current has done the best summary so far. Also goes to show how the mainstream media falls behind alt media in covering social media driven stories such as this. 3/7 https://thecurrent.pk/uzma-khan-vs-malik-riazs-daughters-everything-we-know-so-far/

The connection with Malik Riaz has made the story bigger despite his denials, even if it’s indirect. He’s gotten away with much so it stands to reason that his extended family would use the privilege and connections to get away with impunity too. 4/7

Apart from impunity other aspects symbolise the darkest underbelly of society: slut-shaming, the breach of privacy, assault and delay in justice. But does it merit broader more prominent coverage by the mainstream. (Pssst. It’s not bc of Malik Riaz) 5/7

Let’s look at other stories 1. One of the keys to understanding what happened to #PK8303 is the cockpit recorder, which is missing. 2. Families are struggling with DNA tests 3. Multiple reports of hospitals turning away #Covid_19 patients 3. The new spin on the sugar report. 6/7

Let’s have a sense of proportion people. End. 7/7