Howling Crisis in Pakistan and Role of Media

Pakistan is at the cross roads in its geopolitical history. It is perceived as the source of current terrorism and the centre of attention in the global war against terror. The country is faced with a vicious, prolonged internal conflict (Like; Judicial crisis). But most importantly, after having held elections in February 2008, Pakistan today finds itself in the third year of a challenging transition towards democracy. The present development marks a historic nexus with an opportunity to establish a sustainable democracy. Pakistan is a delicate state, threatened by economic crisis and the effects of a continued mutiny. The civilian government has been facing difficult tasks including the problem of NFC Awards, Provincial autonomy, abortion of 17^th amendment, war on terror and so on.  

Moreover, The Constitution of Pakistan, domestic laws and international instruments prohibit torture, yet torture continues to be practiced and intensified due to Pakistan’s proactive role in the war against terror. Security operations resulted in internal displacement of over 200,000 people, one of the largest displacements in historical time. People are often being tortured having links with the Taliban or extremist groups. Extrajudicial killings, disappearances, mass arrest of suspects by police after any incidence of terror have emerged in the security threatened era. The pre existed culture of impunity augmented by crisis of judiciary and priority shift of state towards day to day emergency response create a vacuum where the issue of torture remained unaddressed.  

Furthermore, Pakistan has a vibrant and free media landscape; among the most dynamic in South Asia. To a large extent the media enjoys freedom of expression in spite of political pressure and direct bans sometimes administered by political stakeholders. More than 40 television channels beam soaps, satire, music programs, films, religious speeches, political talk shows, and news of the hour. Although sometimes criticized for being unprofessional and politically biased, the television channels have made a great contribution to the media landscape and to Pakistani society. Though Pakistani media enjoys relative freedom compared to some of its South Asian neighbors, the industry is subjected to many undemocratic and regressive laws and regulations. During terrorists attacks killings, physical attacks and coercion are constant concerns for many Pakistani journalists. Pakistan is currently ranked number one in the world in the statistics of journalists killed in 2009.  

However, Pakistan is faced with a huge task ahead as it has to establish internal peace and prosperity for its citizens. Aware of the important role the media needs to play in this process, and alarmed by reports of the deteriorating security situation journalists face in large parts of the country but unfortunately the media is currently selling out its products sometime in the shape of Shoaib-Sania’s wedding case and some other unnecessary issues which are beyond the ethics. Being the mouth-piece of common people, media has to highlight the issues of peace, price hike, high inflation, load shading, unemployment and poverty because people having nothing to do with the issues of Shoaib-Sania and Asif-Veena.

(From the old diary as this article was written a year ago.)

By: Abdullah Dayo