Media must unite
This last week has been a sad one for Pakistani media. Jang and Geo offices have been attacked in interior Sindh by miscreants who forcibly entered the premises, damaged equipment and manhandled staffers. The attackers also set fire to copies of Jang and The News. Hawkers and distribution agents were also roughed up, as a result of which the Akhbar Farosh Federation has announced that it will not be able to distribute newspapers unless hawkers are provided security against threats and harassment.
The apparent reason for the attacks is the telecast of a debate on Geo about the demand for a new province in Sindh, which has greatly irked some people and groups. In truth, the programme highlighted both favourable and opposing opinions on the issue while the host took great care not to hurt anyone’s sentiments. The programme was conceived after slogans demanding the division were seen inscribed all over walls in many areas of Karachi. The programme aimed to invite a diversity of opinion on the subject and was animated by the larger belief in the role healthy debate can play in increasing awareness and fostering consensus.
The attacks are thus an attack on the very spirit of debate, and an affront to democracy. They are an attempt to browbeat the media into submission. This must be resisted. If the media has to continue to perform its professional duty to serve the people’s right to know, it must be able to do so without fear of repression and reaction. The Sindh government must provide security and protection to journalists and hawkers and take action against the culprits. Most importantly, the media must not be scared away by such acts but should remain committed to the idea of debate as one of the foundational ways to get to the heart of a matter. The media in Pakistan must unite to ensure that it’s hard won battle for independence and integrity is not undermined at the hands of those who prefer attacks and intimidation over debate and logic.
Source: The News
Date:7/31/2011
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