While there are many hardworking journalists in the Pakistani media, this media is yet to develop a sense of perception, which means looking into the future beyond the immediate headlines of the day.
When PPP and PMLN were running for elections in March 2008, Pakistani media refused to ask these two parties any tough questions about their long record of failed politics. The media gave these two parties an easy time. Journalists were focused on only one thing: the exit of Musharraf. While that was a worthy story, the media failed in its duty to check the record of those whom it was promoting as alternatives.
The same thing happens in the case of PTI's sit-in in Peshawar. For the first time since 2002, ordinary Pakistanis come out of their homes and block NATO supply line. This was a major story. But our media generally ignored it. Why? Because PTI boycotted the 2008 elections and the party is not in the parliament and wields no power. Many of our media men and women depend on maintaining good relations with some politicians either because of bias or for indirect benefit or gain. So everyone in the media is focused on what the politicians in parliament are saying. No one is interested in PTI or the drones because, well, PTI can't offer journalists favors because it is not in power.
That's why most of the Pakistani media ignored the sit-in in Peshawar on the first day, on 23 April.
But everyone in our media sat up and noticed when elected politician and those parties that are considered to be well established, participated in the second day of the sit-in. The parties did this because of the tremendous response that PTI generated among ordinary Pakisanis, and everyone wanted a piece of the pie.
This is realistic and unfortunate aspect of our media. But I hope our media will drw some lessons from its coverage of the sit-in.
When PPP and PMLN were running for elections in March 2008, Pakistani media refused to ask these two parties any tough questions about their long record of failed politics. The media gave these two parties an easy time. Journalists were focused on only one thing: the exit of Musharraf. While that was a worthy story, the media failed in its duty to check the record of those whom it was promoting as alternatives.
The same thing happens in the case of PTI's sit-in in Peshawar. For the first time since 2002, ordinary Pakistanis come out of their homes and block NATO supply line. This was a major story. But our media generally ignored it. Why? Because PTI boycotted the 2008 elections and the party is not in the parliament and wields no power. Many of our media men and women depend on maintaining good relations with some politicians either because of bias or for indirect benefit or gain. So everyone in the media is focused on what the politicians in parliament are saying. No one is interested in PTI or the drones because, well, PTI can't offer journalists favors because it is not in power.
That's why most of the Pakistani media ignored the sit-in in Peshawar on the first day, on 23 April.
But everyone in our media sat up and noticed when elected politician and those parties that are considered to be well established, participated in the second day of the sit-in. The parties did this because of the tremendous response that PTI generated among ordinary Pakisanis, and everyone wanted a piece of the pie.
This is realistic and unfortunate aspect of our media. But I hope our media will drw some lessons from its coverage of the sit-in.
well its kinda true... there was not much about this sit in at all in our media stories. Our media has to develop sense of responsibility. They have to think of whats good n whats bad for the country. Our media just concentrates on things which can attract people. They show "whats in". They should try to change the mind sets of people.
ReplyDeleteWell every one has own interests and no one is sincere to pakistan. Mr Imran Khan started a sit in after a lapse of 5-6 years of cross border attacks and its a Question Mark why he took decision so late. What can be ambitions behind it etc etc. No party is sincer to nation including PTI
ReplyDelete@Mehmood
ReplyDeleteI like your question but please seek answers and then make a decision.
Let me give you an answer, did you and me have any proof 5-6 years earlier that the Pakistan govt is party in the drone bombings?
Did you?
All we knew was the govt was doing muzammat and all. Parliament was passing resolutions against drones and all.
You and me were content atleast that the govt is doing its bit.
But then came the wikileaks. We learned that these muzammats and resolutions were an eye wash, our govt was complicit in these bombings.
Upon this revelation, PTI decided it is not going to believe any resolution or muzammati bayaan and fight this cause itself.
That is why, the dharna took place now, not 5-6 years earlier.
Hope this answers the question.
i hope now the upcoming PTI's anti-drone sit-in in Karachi will be focused by the media...one more thing can be included that all the political parties gt 'united' after the anti-drone dharna of PTI, surely to isolate Imran Khan, but the cases like Devis and OBL operation inside pakistan and anti drone dharna will make imran khan more popular than before...i hope to see imran khan as next PM and PTI in the parliament..and pakistan meeting internal and external challenges...
ReplyDeletei agree with Mr abrar , no one knows the reality so far its just all about trachary
ReplyDelete