Role of Pakistani Media

Pakistan is a country which is facing problems not just before its formation but also during, after and till date. Terrorism, Kashmir issue, low tax collection, tax evasion, religious intolerance, corruption, devalued currency, unemployment, lack of education, water shortage, provincial disharmony, inadequate foreign policy, corrupt police, energy crisis, ethnic hatred etc. are the major problems. On the other hand, land grapping mafia, illegal weapons, rising divorce rate, drug abuse in teenagers, pollution, population explosion, high infant mortality rate, lack of clean drinking water, women abuse, rising Western and Indian culture, capital flight, medical problems, impure food products etc. are also the important problems.

These problems are developing at a higher rate than Pakistan is developing. If these are not paid prior attention they will engulf Pakistan, in fact they have already caused a major problem to Pakistan and its inhabitants. It is due to the inconsideration of the people and government officials of Pakistan. People of Pakistan and the officials do not value this country much; they just care about themselves, their desires and their priorities. The corrupt politicians are not corrupt as a person, we as a nation are corrupt; whoever finds an easy way towards his success; does corruption on his level. Corrupt people then vote for corrupt politicians and then they do their part of corruption; which takes Pakistan back and its progress and development falls behind.

Keeping in view all of these issues, the role of media is very important. But here too, the problem lies that Pakistani media is not playing fair. The media should not be in the influence of government or any political party of the state. Unfortunately, our media is doing so; it is under the orders of government and other political parties. On the other hand, they break the news by adding fuel to the fire. In reality one thing has happened, while they tell the other one. They exaggerate the details, especially if going against Pakistan. They portray Pakistan as if there is no security, no education, none of the industries, unemployment; in sort, no reason to live in Pakistan. There are problems in this country, but it is not so that one cannot survive here. Let’s just focus first on the role of media and then on the positive aspects of Pakistan.

Firstly, when a security issue occurs, the media not only gives out the details of the attack but also they criticize the government if they are being supported by an opposition party, while those who support the government, criticize other political parties, and this process goes on. Then they exaggerate the issue, they add spices to it, and finally, the issue takes the form of something else. The media should just break those details which are authentic. It should be neutral, instead of taking sides of any of their supporting parties. They should drive the concerns of the government to pay attention to such issues. They should support government if it is taking any positive step, instead of finding meaningless flaws in it.

Secondly, whenever any natural disaster occurs, the media instead of paying sympathies to the one who suffered, or helping them out in one or the other way, criticize the government and hide the details. The earthquake of 2008, took away the lives of 215 people, with 200 injured and about 120,000 homeless. The media gave these details but the hid the ones related to human trafficking, which took place on a large scale in Kashmir region. Young girls were kidnapped, and smuggled to foreign countries. The innocent, beautiful girls of Kashmir were made to go the foreign countries and be a source of their pleasure. At this moment, the media should have paid stress to this issue and stopped the human trafficking of the Pakistani girls.

Thirdly, when during the monsoon months, the rainfall exceeds the limits, flood hits Pakistan. At this moment Pakistan, having no dams for excess water storage, faces great disaster in unprivileged areas. The fields are destroyed, homes flooded out with water and its inhabitants and a large area with its population is affected. Pakistan not only faces problem due to the excess rainfall, but India also plays its role in its destruction. As both the neighbors share the same climate, India also has monsoon in those days. After filling its dams, it turns the excess rain water towards Pakistan. The Sindh Taas agreement between the two countries has borne no fruit till date. These have also led to major problems in Pakistan. Media should drive the attention of the government officials and related political parties to pay stress to this issue and resolve it. Instead of giving and breaking lame news, the media should focus on the major problems, and give such issues prior importance, not only in flood days but also after it.

Fourthly, the entertainment channels of Pakistan are also portraying a negative image of this homeland to other countries. The culture, first of all, which is being promoted in our channels, is neither Islamic nor Pakistani. The vulgarity, shameless scenes, brutality, intolerance, misbehavior with parents, drug and smoking which are being promoted in the dramas are not according to our teachings. The women who wear shameless clothes, actors who are seen drinking and smoking, are a cause of the rapes and increased drug induction by the teenagers. The entertainment channels should only promote those things which are according to our teachings and culture.

Fifthly, the media is not promoting the Pakistani singers. Although, above it has been discussed that Pakistani channels should only promote its culture, but still it is also a fact that people like to listen to songs. But if they are Pakistani, instead of Indian or Western, then a huge difference will be seen. In this way, our singers will also have recognition of themselves; they will not need to go to other countries and beg for employment. The people of Pakistan will also have a view of their legends.

Last but not the least; the media should now take action for the formation of dams by the government now and then. Media should pay stress and prior importance to this issue. Media should join hands with the people of Pakistan to drive the attention of the government and officials to build up a new world, where energy and clean water crisis will no longer be a problem.

These are just a few issues which have been highlighted, but the truth is that they are just a few; there are more than one can just imagine. The media and inhabitants of Pakistan now should work together and fight for their rights, irrespective of their own benefits, considering the benefits of this country as more important.

May Allah Almighty bless this nation and Pakistan..!!

Ameen