Narratives are known to construct identities and their continuous replications reinforce these identities into realities, but the question that one is compelled to ask is; can they really be trusted?
The popular Pakistani media culture that aims to downsize our political and military leaders and question their activities, despite claiming to be the harbinger of change, has only been able to create an increased chaos and hopelessness in society. Only to reinforce already formed negative image. Of course, no one in their right mind can argue that faults should not be highlighted but the methodology adopted needs to be reviewed.
Postures of the media persons is no less than men and women in commando action or even akin to launching a counterinsurgency operation where one is easily led to believe that the combatants main aim is to dismantle the entire political nexus which might be a good idea though but not when there is no alternative in the offing.
The army and ISI too, it seems, are still unable to secure themselves from the claws of critics after Musharrafs exit despite Gen Kayanis grand announcement of his apolitical stance.
Clearly, no one was found to fill in the huge void, therefore, the continued attacks, albeit of a low intensity. What we dont bring under consideration is how this game of wits played on television channels is affecting the already depressed public which includes huge population of young people.
Is there an underlying policy on which the current popularised culture of crush-the-guests infotainment is standing or has it been adopted, like everything else in this country, that is, at random just to suit the interests of some? Can the media be sensitive to the psychological restructuring of the thoughts of our people and focus on the betterment of society so that no one gets hurt in the process?
UMAR QAYYUM MALIK
Islamabad
