Why does style matter more than fact checking in one?
Being a reader of Urdu and English both columns, I can easily distinguish the writers’ way of writing in publications of both languages. It seems as English columns are written for other nations and Urdu columns for Pakistani readers. Some writings are of the value that doesn’t depend on any language as they are written so beautifully and realistically that they can be translated in any language without losing its impact; they are exceptional. Foreign affairs and Political issues are often retained for English columns but mostly, columns published on these themes are those with repetitive ideas. Democracy is the most cherished topic of writing for all the English articles. Unfortunately, credibility in writing is missing now in some papers. In the name of freedom of expression, incredible sounding news or fantastically woven stories are not discarded or edited – thus compromising national interest. Sometimes freedom of press ignores interests of society,not taking into account the credibility of articles published in newspapers. A recent news leak or baseless story rising civil-military conflict in Pakistan’s leading newspaper is a clear example. This was shocking for me to read an article in the same newspaper about the love and marriages of our national poet Dr Allama Iqbal. It seems the only factor needed by these publications (thus making credibility checks redundant) is good “English”. In this article in question, the writer gave her views on Iqbal’s life and love without authentic references. Any book can be published in market by anyone. Neither a book nor Atiya Faizi’s letters can manifest truth when Iqbal’s intellectual intimacy can be presented in any way after his death. But this is the responsibility of the news editor to judge the credibility of the article especially when it is read worldwide. No doubt writing style of the article was impressive though subjective and so it took place in a well known English newspaper.
Topics, research, and farsightedness is more valuable than the style of writing in any language. A generation gap or class gap is seen in the papers of both languages. Mostly writers of Urdu papers are not from the young generation and they write with their maturity and due priority, giving importance to values, social issues and religion. No doubt, some Urdu columnists are good story tellers; either they initiate their piece with a story linking it with current political or social issues in the end or they fill their article giving references from any old historical fantasy. Urdu columns are read by millions as Urdu newspapers are shared throughout the country and it becomes the responsibility of the writers to bring positive change through their writings. Topics on values and religion should not be restricted to Urdu columns. After all, truth and facts are highly related to religion. They deserve a place in papers of any language.
A concept prevails that English columns are read only by some class in Pakistan being second language. This can be true but this is not due to low understanding of Urdu medium class rather due to lack of diversity and mostly repetitive ideas produced by some specific writers, no doubt, having wonderful English. People even having good command of English love to read Urdu columns. Common readers are not bothered about economic and legal issues rather they want to get some information and knowledge based on truth related to any topic. It cannot be ignored what appeals to the readers’ soul. Heart and brain both are equally important. . Reason and emotion both are important for good writing.
English columns are supposed to be more sensitive as they are read by other nations too and it is a good mean to convey our views to other nations. Had my articles been published in Urdu papers, they would not have gained attention in other countries. After publishing in one Pakistan’s newspaper, my article ‘Israel-the next super power’ was published and discussed in many newspapers of Israel and Middle East. Had this not been much edited by that paper, it could have expressed my views more clearly to the other nations.
This would not be justified to paint all the writers with the same brush. There are many writers in both languages who write brilliant columns which really appeal the readers. Maintaining columns integrity direly demands the quality of a well balanced and objective approach without neglecting social and national interests. A columnist carries the responsibility of getting the facts straight and present them being unbiased. As words are a lens to focus one’s mind, similarly writings and newspapers are to one‘s society. Sensitivity and credibility of columns can’t be ignored in papers of any language.
