Historically, the media in Pakistan has not been independent. It is controlled to disseminate specific narratives. After the inception of Pakistan, the radio, film, and print media were controlled for certain political and social records. Then, with the launching of PTV in 1964, it was also controlled by the state-run media corporation. However, in the early 2000s, the mushroom growth of private electronic and print media was seen. Several private television channels were awarded licences. Because people were dissatisfied with the performance of PTV, they took to private channels, resulting in with huge audiences & developing credibility with the audience.
However, most of the private channels were owned by business tycoons. It can be attributed to the capitalization of the media. Then, it is far easier to control the owners of media channels and suffocate the freedom of expression, which was already dying under the capitalistic interests of media houses as most corrupt businessmen established media houses. Accordingly, all print, electronic and other forms of media were controlled in Pakistan. The information was always faulty, and people were fooled into several propaganda narratives.
With the arrival of social and digital media, this control has received a severe blow. Then, it connects to the audience in a matter of seconds. One can not control it unless one bans it. Then, there are other techniques which can still connect people among themselves.
Therefore, there is an unstoppable digital revolution in Pakistan. One more important part is the overseas Pakistanis. Even the local Pakistanis are controlled through various cyber laws; overseas Pakistanis shall continue to pour in on social media applications.
Freedom of expression & speech, guaranteed in Article 19 of the Constitution, is best served through digital media. It can neither be controlled nor even regulated. Therefore, information dissemination shall continue to pour in. Despite all criticism, digital media has the power to build narratives. PTI, with all its volunteers, especially abroad, is shaping the political narrative in Pakistan. Presently, there is no stopping it.
Historically, the media in Pakistan has not been independent. It is controlled to disseminate specific narratives. After the inception of Pakistan, the radio, film, and print media were controlled for certain political and social records. Then, with the launching of PTV in 1964, it was also controlled by the state-run media corporation. However, in the early 2000s, the mushroom growth of private electronic and print media was seen. Several private television channels were awarded licences. Because people were dissatisfied with the performance of PTV, they took to private channels, resulting in with huge audiences & developing credibility with the audience.However, most of the private channels were owned by business tycoons. It can be attributed to the capitalization of the media. Then, it is far easier to control the owners of media channels and suffocate the freedom of expression, which was already dying under the capitalistic interests of media houses as most corrupt businessmen established media houses. Accordingly, all print, electronic and other forms of media were controlled in Pakistan. The information was always faulty, and people were fooled into several propaganda narratives. With the arrival of social and digital media, this control has received a severe blow. Then, it connects to the audience in a matter of seconds. One can not control it unless one bans it. Then, there are other techniques which can still connect people among themselves. Therefore, there is an unstoppable digital revolution in Pakistan. One more important part is the overseas Pakistanis. Even the local Pakistanis are controlled through various cyber laws; overseas Pakistanis shall continue to pour in on social media applications. Freedom of expression & speech, guaranteed in Article 19 of the Constitution, is best served through digital media. It can neither be controlled nor even regulated. Therefore, information dissemination shall continue to pour in. Despite all criticism, digital media has the power to build narratives. PTI, with all its volunteers, especially abroad, is shaping the political narrative in Pakistan. Presently, there is no stopping it.
