Trolling on social media can take a terrible toll on victims. Much more so if victims are women. In recent days a group of women journalists - victims of unimaginable abuse, threats & slander - have decided enough is enough (1/10) #Journalismisnotacrime

They have petitoned govt to take action against those from among its ranks who are indulging in such vile abuse. However another group of women journalists - while agreeing with the cause taken up by their colleagues - feel all parties should be blamed & not just PTI (2/10)

I am personally in awe of the courage displayed by these women journalists. All of them. I am grateful that two of these brave journalists - @meherbokhari & @GFarooqi - joined me on my show to debate the matter. Both had solid points while disagreeing with each other (3/10)

The issue of this vile trolling must be addressed. For too long have journalists - specially women journalists - endured such abuse just for doing their professional duty. The courageous stand taken by my colleagues must lead to an actionable outcome (4/10)

However such an outcome will require unity among our ranks. Presently there is a difference of opinion. I believe this can be bridged if a sincere effort is made. The issue is just too important to become a casualty of disagreements (5/10)

More so when there is no disagreement on the basic premise. Everyone involved in this issue is a thorough professional dedicated to strengthening journalism & protecting Pakistanis' constitutional right of freedom of expression (6/10)

In my long years in journalism, I have been privileged to work with many of these worthy colleagues & this makes me confident they can all rally around the cause that is larger than any individual or organisation. Each of these journalists has enriched our profession (7/10)

A tribute to their courage: @NasimZehra @asmashirazi @meherbokhari @Maria_Memon @Mehmal @Fereeha @AmberRShamsi @Benazir_Shah @GFarooqi @batulrajpoot @TenzilaMazhar & all others who feel strongly about this cause & want an outcome that ends such abuse (8/10)

I believe a common cause can be made. Must be made. Strength lies in unity. The differences visible today can be bridged tomorrow if my colleagues can sit together and find a way that addresses all concerns. This may require some give and take, but the cause justifies it (9/10)

My sincere hope that these strong, brave, courageous and professional women can hammer out a common position & build a united front with all journalists, regardless of gender, to ensure that trolling through abuse & slander comes to an end (10/10)
#JournalismIsNotACrime