The Pressing Matter of the Press

Mark Twain believed that “There are laws to protect the freedom of the press’s speech, but none that are worth anything to protect the people from the press.”

Time and time again PTI government echoed about the apprehensions they have regarding Media. Firdaus Ashiq Awan and the PM talk about the way media has been manipulating the reality. This also made me remember George Orwell’s Novel ‘1984’. He seemed to have predicted everything that is currently happening right now. As the world is progressing rapidly in technology, unfortunately as humans we are regressing. 

After much deliberation, I have decided to tell the world a bit about my background. My maternal uncle Fazal Ahmed Syed took me and my family in when my father died under mysterious circumstances some 33 years ago. My uncle is married to Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami’s niece. In a way you can say that I have been fortunate to have seen both sides of the coin. International politics has always been a subject of discussion my entire life. I have seen political influencers come and go in our house. I discussed, debated and deliberated on many issues with my uncle. He is known in many political circles. Though I don’t live with him since I am married now, I owe most of my political conscience to him.

I do not like labels for myself, and since journalism has lost its credibility in my eyes, I no longer wish to associate myself with this profession. I was once registered and had a press badge. It lies somewhere in my cupboard and I don’t wish to reapply. The negative portrayal of the PTI government on all accounts by all outlets of media is devastating. The sensationalism of news and desensitizing of the people in Pakistan has been going on for a long time. Dawn, a paper that was considered as one of the most prestigious newspapers has lost its appeal. It is also echoing the enemy’s agenda.

Although Corona trouble is looming all around us, I hope that we get rid of this awful disease soon maybe it’s a wake up call for us. Maybe its to remind us that Kashmir has been in total lockdown since 5^th August 2019. Maybe it is to unite us. All around the world mosques are being emptied and panic is taking over. I don’t fear Corona. I only fear Allah. He knows when and how I will meet my demise. I will take necessary precautions obviously.

Mir Shakeel-ur-Rehman’s arrest and Nawaz Sharif (the traitor’s) involvement in the assets beyond means is mind boggling. While judges are busy letting convicted felons with questionable bank transactions off the hook, it’s a sad story. Saad Rafique and his brother are guilty. Courts are under the influence and judges have been blackmailed earlier. As the war-mongering “Geo” Jang group owner claims he is simply a business man, yellow journalists should stop putting him on a pedestal. They think they can take ill-gotten money to their graves, let them gravel in their own misery.

All the money mongering corrupt people are on the same page. I as a citizen of Pakistan hate the corrupt people. They are the reasons Pakistan is a hub of all social evils. One of the worst things Musharraf did was to license the media because like the proverbial story of Arab and the Camel, the Camel overstays his welcome and eventually kicks the Arab out of its tent.

We are living in a dangerous time with even more dangerous undertones. We are being targeted within and outside our country. Fake news by media here, there and everywhere makes one become flabbergasted. Most media channels are twisting facts and are mostly responsible for the social unrest. The positive news gets buried and we are left with only seeing the negative. There is corruption in all sectors of our country. Age-old corrupt mindset does not go away in a minute. Despite all the international conspiracies along with the hypocrites, money-mongers and traitors Emerging Naya Pakistan will be a reality. PM Imran Khan and the trustworthy members of his party have our prayers and support. Insha Allah like the PM said 2020 will be a good year for all of us.