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CNN reporter who interviewed Reham Khan says she received "torrent of abuse" for it

PTI supporters have a bone to pick with Hannah Vaughan Jones, who sat down with Reham to gain some "unique insight"

30 Jul, 2018

If Hannah Vaughan Jones wasn't previously aware of just how much PTI supporters dislike Reham Khan, she sure is now.

The CNN International reporter, who interviewed Reham recently has tweeted about how she has been on the receiving end of a "torrent of abuse for it; she added that Khan was invited onto the show for her "unique insight into Imran Khan" and because she "is engaged/articulate about Pakistan", adding "Shame on those who would silence free speech w/hatred & disgusting language."

Many on Twitter continued tweeting at Jones, asking her why she gave Reham screen time or why Imran Khan's other former wife, Jemima Khan wasn't invited.

Jones decided to school them in a little concept called democracy.

Thankfully, many sane voices from Pakistan shared words of support for Jones.

Ever since social media has arrived, women have endured a steady, brutal digital hazing. Reham has been a controversial figure in the country for a while now but the trolling Hannah is being subjected to just goes to show that all women in the public eye, even regular anchors and journalists get picked on, online and offline and are at the receiving end of such vitriol often, for just doing their job.

While you can disagree with the fact that Jones chose to showcase Reham's opinion on her show, nothing justifies the online abuse she's getting for it. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? Can we get a grip on the trolling in Naya Pakistan, please? It's getting globally embarrassing now.

Comments

Amjad Jul 30, 2018 02:31pm

How innocent, CNN

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Etch Kay Jul 30, 2018 02:52pm

This is typical PTI culture not to respect other people's opinion. Leader and followers are similar

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Imran Jul 30, 2018 02:53pm

it is crystal clear that CNN just wanted to discredit IK and PK at the same time. RK has no credibility and should not have been invited in the first place!

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ali Jul 30, 2018 03:10pm

I support Donald Trump words CNN is fake news.

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Sameer Jul 30, 2018 03:15pm

Further confirming conspiracy that US and India aint too happy about a PM they cant control. Hmmm...good!

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Sameer Jul 30, 2018 03:16pm

As Trump said it, "Fake News Media!"

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Harmony-1© Jul 30, 2018 04:22pm

As someone rightly suggested why not interview Jemima if CNN really wanted an 'insight' into Imran Khan? She had been married to Imran much longer and is the mother of his two children.

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M. Saeed Jul 30, 2018 05:00pm

Well done CNN, very informative. This is how we see the whole picture in its true perspective.

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ga Jul 30, 2018 05:29pm

I haven't seen the interview but generally it's the job of the interviewer to ask tough questions when the interviewee's points against IK are largely bogus. I read the book briefly and found it nothing more than uncorroborated rants that even IK opponents couldn't support.

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Sad but true Jul 30, 2018 05:54pm

If she is so bad why did PTI support IK for his choice to wed her?

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Farrukh Munir Jul 30, 2018 06:28pm

Let people decide whether they believe her or not. Journalists can interview anyone they like. If they interview your choice of guest then it’s ok but if they interview someone of the opposite view then it’s not right. GROW UP.

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Tunda Thakur Jul 30, 2018 06:42pm

The two people CNN invited were Hussain Haqqani and Reham Khan to shed light of IK and the results of the elections. Its wither a case of not running some back ground checks which I find hard to believe for a news channel like CNN or is it deliberate. I am happy to give them the benefit fo the doubt. Also please do not make everything about women (referring to the statement about hazing women), I am not sure if the response would have been different if it were a male news reporter.

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SQ Jul 30, 2018 07:01pm

The abusers are doing more harm to IK's reputation and Pakistan's image that Reham Khan could have done.

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pathanoo Jul 30, 2018 08:54pm

That is precisely FREE SPEECH is, Folks. Just because you don't agree with CNN giving Reham an interview, which was critical of Imran Khan, does not mean it was not Free Speech. Every one has a right to their speech and opinions without fear and must be allowed to express them. It does not have to be a proven truth before you can open your mouth. People make up their minds on that. But, ALL persons MUST be allowed to express it openly, freely, without repercussions and without fear.

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N_Saq Jul 30, 2018 09:47pm

In a democracy everybody should be allowed to speak their mind whether you agree or disagree with him/her is another story. Freedom of speech is the most important part of democracy and sadly people in Pak do not understand what is freedom of speech as they never had it. People in Pak needs to understand that they should not disrespect someone just because they criticize you or that they have a different view. Your views might be better or more popular but you must always respect your opposition. Having said that I would like to add that IK and his followers should be given an equal opportunity to defend too otherwise it is a selective reporting and not objective reporting.

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mians shoaib Jul 30, 2018 10:18pm

If RK has no credibility the why PTI getting angry? let her speak

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shubs Jul 31, 2018 03:02am

It will take another generation of stops and starts before democracy is fully understood in Pakistan.

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Zak Jul 31, 2018 03:52am

All commentators should answer with reason and rationale. No abuse please. Show them all the difference.

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Naureen M Zaidi Jul 31, 2018 07:35am

Can we get a grip on the trolling in Naya Pakistan, please? It's getting globally embarrassing now..... Interesting comments from the writer of this artcle! There is nothing to be embarrass about experessing your point of view. Just like Jones has the right to interview Reham Khan, others can exercise their views not to like it. CNN and Jones should be use to these type of comments, they get worse comments from their own viewers here in US!

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ahemd Jul 31, 2018 09:12am

i like how the concept of free speech is selectively applied here. Reham can make the most ugly allegations and CNN covers it calling free speech and when people respond with disgust then its suddenly hazing and harassment

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PS Jul 31, 2018 06:21pm

Hate her or whatever, but the lady does make a lot of sense. We ALL want IK to succeed, but it won't happen as long as he is not his own man!!

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Politician Jul 31, 2018 07:49pm

Not balanced at all.. CNN!. unavailability of someone does not constitute to air a show with one sided perspective. Sad and unbalanced Journalism!

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Freedom of speech Aug 01, 2018 06:24am

Just like CNN, people also used their right to freedom of speech.

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Shahzar Aug 02, 2018 04:29pm

I respect CNN and its worthy interviewer and moreover their right of speech. What I dont understand is why reham khan was invited and not me.....I mean I have more academic, moral and political insight into IK and Pak. Secondly whenever you conduct such interviews in which one guest is an extreme opponent its a norm to invite someone impartial to give an umbiased opinion of the false allegations levelled UNLESS you have some other motive behind the interview.

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leo Aug 02, 2018 05:13pm

I think IK as well follower should this interview positively. If I K is right no need for fear ,abusive remarks or explanations from him or followers.New Pakistani PM should believe in himself and supporters too.

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