This letter is in context with the ongoing volatile security situation. In all the argumentation on giving back our motherland its peace, why do we forget the role we as the member of civil society have to play. This is the area we Pakistanis have been impassive so far in, Pakistan being the battle field of global conflicts and the frontline state in the war against terror.
The security of world is correlated to peace building in Pak-Afghan region. So, Pakistani nation, by default has to be proactive and take pre-emptive measures in global peace building and conflict resolution in its own wider interests. We have to be the change we wish to see in the world around us. Contributions, made by individuals, can ultimately culminate into collective hope and energy conducive for peace. We need to practice self-responsibility.
The process of peace making is both multidimensional and complex. One of its vital aspects is the role of media and art industry. We require numerous organisations to involve in boosting up the morale of the people in severely conflicted settings.
Art techniques such as theatre, music and film can help us share cultural experiences and streamline our emotional, psychological and spiritual energies. A reliable and independent media can also help in growing positivism and objectivity.
The media should not provoke sensationalism in conflicted societies like ours. It simply fuels tensions and adds to the psychological warfare and social unrest. This leads to confusion, chaos and instability. A soft image of our society needs to be projected by media.
Media personnel in our society need to raise public service and awareness campaigns and demoralise extremist mindset among the masses.
HUMAYUN IFTIKHAR
Lahore
