There are almost 80 channels running on various cable networks. About 40 are Pakistani, 4 or 5 are English movie channels, 5or 6 are music channels and a few are sports and cooking. All Pakistani channels with only a few notable exceptions are propagating and telecasting about politics.
It is very strange that Pakistan is the country which has been ruled by a military government for the majority of its history; but the way our channels and anchors discuss politics, it would seem that we are the only pioneer of world democracy. These anchors have only one agenda to keep the people of this nation in a state of constant tension. We are also fed up of these politicians who keep on appearing on these channels with their trite and baseless ideas. They have no interest in nation building but only want to criticise their opponents.
It is shameful to watch these so-called leaders fighting and shouting in the programmes. Will somebody save the people of this country from this news channel mafia? The government should form some policy of monitoring and guiding these networks. This code of conduct of sorts might help these channels streamline their line-up of shows and make it more balanced. These channels need to diversify their programming and show some good, informative programmes up to the standard of the modern age, rather than repetitive programmes on politics that are just more of the same.
MAJ (Retd) ANWAR PASHA
Lahore
