THIS is with reference to the letter ‘Intention or inattention?’ (July 18) about the lack of state representation at the funeral of former President Mamnoon Hussain. I wish to highlight another aspect of the matter; the media coverage of the death of a former head of state.

The death of actor Dilip Kumar had made headlines across news channels, with each one trying to find something ‘exclusive’ on the man and his body of work. The same was true of all the newspapers the next day, with pictures and stories as well as comments and condolences by celebrities of all shades and hues. This was fair enough, for Dilip Kumar was a gem of a person and had his Pakistan connection as well which made the coverage relevant and appropriate.

President Mamnoon Hussain passed away a week later, but the reaction of the nation and the national media was utterly and tragically different. A short announcement, rather than a news story, on the front page was considered good enough by many newspapers, with the actual report getting pushed onto the inside pages. Mr Hussain served as the president for five years. If not more, he deserved as much acknowledgement of his services to Pakistan as did Dilip Kumar.

Muhammad Majid Shafi
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2021