Role of Media in Pakistan

A state can’t be strong and prosperous without four important pillars and Media is one of them. Constructive role of media can play a significant role in a country’s advancement. Media can be divided in two categories Electronic Media and second is Print Media. Ever since I am born I have only seen the efficient role of print media which includes newspapers, magazines etc. I am not General Musharraf’s follower but the credit goes to him because in his tenure a bulk of TV channels came up in existence. Before that we were bound to watch PTV (National TV Channel) which broadcasting usually shuts at 9 pm. In other words we can say that Musharraf gave birth to all these channels despite of being a dictator. He always emphasized on the independence of media. Although that is another thing, that media was a major element which leads him to his political career death.

There cannot be two opinions that that Pakistani media is playing quite neutral and exotic role. Media is pointing out the deficiencies in our national institutions. They are trying their best to figure out the deficiencies in our administrative and political structure. They also appreciate the positive and lucrative work done by the Government. Pakistani media’s effort to bring stability and take our country on progression’s path is really praiseworthy. Now whenever one put on TV one can find a lot of talk shows regarding to the political situation in Pakistan. Media brings us latest news about events and developments immediately. Print media has also got a boost like electronic media. Both of them are working side by side to bring prosperity in Pakistan.

The core purpose of media is to educate the people of a country. Media can bring effective changes in a society by awaking the people. In addition media can cause disruption or can strengthen a society simultaneously. Even though as compared to the Indian media, our media still needs a lot of things to learn. Pakistani media should be more efficient. No doubt Pakistan is an under developing country unlike India. The basic quality I (and probably all of you) found in Indian media, they only highlight the good things of their country. There is also a great misery in India. A bulk of people sleeps on the roads. Not only this, people are using footpaths for living purposes. They even pay to live on the streets and footpaths. But they never highlight these kinds of facts. Conversely our media is revealing a lot of things which should not be exposed. For instance, whenever a Taliban commander threatens the Government, media starts displaying the statements. But on the other hand, they provide opportunity to the US and other countries officials to dictate Pakistani Government. Especially Americans put overwhelming pressure on our Government.

Every picture has two sides. Media only see the front side of a situation and neglect the other side which can be harmful for our country’s image. Our media definitely presents the news and events in a positive way but some of them do have negative impression. No doubt that it’s a competitive world and media is also working in a competitive environment. Few TV channels and newspapers sometimes publish unverified news and information. Last year I read in newspaper that oil prices in international market has drop down to 39 PKR. But that was fake information I confirmed it from couple of authorized websites. Lately I read that someone said that Imran Khan (Chairman Tehreek-E-Insaaf) doesn’t have a luck line in his hand. Although in the very next day the newspaper expressed regret about the unproven information. Ultimately I would appeal to all the media personnel’s to be more careful while publishing or showing anything.