The bloom that the media has received in Pakistan particularly after 2001 has augmented the awareness of the target audience. The credibility of private channels has increased and media has played a rigorous role being the mirror of the society. Freedom of press triggered the movement which aimed to establish an independent judiciary in Pakistan. It won’t be wrong to say that the present democratic government which is also the first democratic government to enter into the fourth year of its tenure in the political history of Pakistan managed to put an end to dictatorship with the help of media.
However, it is also important to note that how different media of communication are utilising the freedom, particularly the electronic media. The political satire shows are gaining popularity nowadays and major news channels consider such shows as imperative in order to attract viewership. Surprisingly, people don’t like to watch serious current affair shows rather they prefer to laugh on how the politicians speak or how our country is being defaced on the international horizon. In addition to this, serious issues are also being chipped away in a lighter mood during such shows. This lessens the serious attitude with which we as being responsible citizens should treat things which are a matter of grave concern for Pakistan. There is no wisdom in confusing political satire with freedom of press or freedom of expression or with healthy criticism.
The Pakistani media should play a pivotal role to make sure that Pakistan’s image does not get tarnished. Furthermore, to ensure that Pakistan becomes one of the developed nations of the world, it is essential to point out things which might prove out to be fatal such as lack of governance, impediments in the way of development, corruption and focusing more on human interest stories. On the contrary, the media shouldn’t play a negative role which will lower the morale of the nation. Media should try to be more vigilant and function as an interpreter instead of stigmatising Pakistan through political satire shows.
FAKIHA HASSAN RIZVI
Lahore
