ISLAMABAD: Was it a genuine oversight or a well-thought-out wordplay?
That’s what several on Twitter debated on Wednesday as the government issued orders to remove Pakistan Television’s (PTV) Managing Director, Col. Hassan Immad Mohammadi from his post.
The decision followed a colossal faux pas on part of the channel which used the word “begging” instead of “Beijing” for its locator graphic, during a speech by Prime Minister Imran Khan from China.
And while some were of the opinion that the typographic error was a genuine spelling mistake, others said the timing of the word’s usage was suspect considering PM Khan was in China at the time to secure aid, to resolve the country’s ongoing economic crisis.
The speech, which was being broadcast live from Beijing on November 4, had the graphic for 20 seconds of PM Khan’s address — on the top left corner of the screens – following which it was removed. But not before several on social media spotted the mistake, resulting in #begging becoming the top trend on Twitter.
PTV, on its part, acknowledged the error and tweeted an apology: “Today, during a live address of the Prime Minister during his ongoing visit to China, a typographical error took place, which remained on screen for 20 seconds & later removed. This incident is regrettable. Strict action has been initiated under rules against concerned officials.”
An official order issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday dismissed Mohammadi from his post, without directly mentioning the reason or incident. Mohammadi had assumed office in October this year.
REACTIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
PM Select address in China! #Begging pic.twitter.com/KNvfM1ISlV
— S Malaika Raza (@MalaikaSRaza) November 4, 2018
Check out top left corner of the screen #Begging pic.twitter.com/K8ITPpVLBd
— Khushbu Malik (@khushbu_malik) November 4, 2018
#Begging for homes and shelters for the poor in Pakistan and not for a palace in Surrey or apartments in Avenfield. Thank you PM Imran Khan.
— Haroon Shahid (@HaroonsMusic) November 4, 2018
