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Monkey business
Radio Pakistan is heard in most tribal areas, why FM 96 also wants to set up stations in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi?
The writer is a columnist, a former major of the Pakistan Army and served as press secretary to Benazir Bhutto [email protected]
What the devil is going on? Why is there no reaction from the sitting government, and the leaders of the political parties in the opposition including the self-proclaimed future prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan; why none from the various spokespeople who regale us with their silly arguments every single evening on the mostly nonsensical TV talk shows; why indeed, have none of the tens of channels picked up on an earth-shaking report in this newspaper of record of April 15, 2012 titled, “Apna Pakistan: Military set to expand media outreach across country”?
We are told that the aim is “social harmonisation” and to propagate “state vision” in a “vibrant manner” (I ask you!). The CEO of 96 International Radio Network, a serving colonel of the Pakistan Army added in an interview to this paper that the “network is being planned … to bring social harmony to a society that has been radicalised”.
Really now? So then, despite the track record of our brass hats in political interventions; even after the recent upheaval in relations between the elected government and the army brass in which the ISPR had the gall to issue direct threats of “serious ramifications” to the PM himself, the de jure boss of the armed forces, the politicians are all right with this ‘media outreach’ by the army?
Leave alone the politicians own, and the country’s interests in containing the army brass to their cantonments and training areas, they should also consider the costs of this ‘outreach’ in terms of what it will do to the revered and respected institution of Radio Pakistan which has done so much for integration by reaching out to the farthest corners of our country; and by encouraging many, many artistes, especially those from the backward regions of Pakistan.
Indeed, who of my generation doesn’t recall the dulcet tones of Edward Carrapiet and Shaista Zaid announcing ‘This is Radio Pakistan; here is the news read by…”. Halcyon days indeed for this great medium on which comedians like Imam Din would take a dig at almost everyone; on which Malik Khuda Bakhsh Bucha would host a programme giving agricultural advice. Radio Pakistan even today is doing yeoman service to the people, especially the poor. How can any government think of killing such an ‘outreach’?
For that is what it is. The bazaar gup is that the baboos of the finance and information ministries are deliberately killing Radio Pakistan by starving it of funds to suck up to the Deep State. It is said that not only has the PBC’s development budget been cut down, even its pay and pension bills are not being paid in full. This is disgraceful and needs urgent review by the government.
But let’s go back to the future wannabe media empire to be run by the Pakistan Army. Might one ask how a serving officer is running FM 96? Is FM 96 an army unit? Is the colonel on ERE (extra regimental employment) there? Does the ARR (Army Rules and Regulations) apply to him and to his assistants who are surely from the army too? Most critically, why does the ISPR not answer any questions about this venture? What’s going on?
Neither is this all. One of the reasons cited for the setting up of this channel is that it will be aimed towards the “difficult” areas. While preliminary research conducted this last week through friends who know Fata says that Radio Pakistan is heard in most of the tribal areas, the question to ask is why FM 96 also wants to set up FM stations in main cities such as Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi? Is this aimed towards making money through advertisements, adding to the army’s business portfolio of bakeries, shaadi ghars and real estate businesses?
Wake up, Prime Minister, and put an immediate stop to this monkey business. Hasn’t this country had enough of the Deep State’s ‘social harmonisation’?
Published in The Express Tribune, April 18th, 2012.
Reader Comments (60)
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New field of investment. :-)
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There is no need for a new radio channel for uneducated masses; those who don’t have access to social media or English print media already believe that Pakistan won all wars, and that 1971 was a Zionist conspiracy.
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Tell Army to make a sanitation busniss too in the country there is lot garbage to pickup.
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There is a pentagon channel in USA and fox news also acts as a mouthpiece and people are ok with that. Why this long itch with Pak army. Stop regurgitation in ever piece and read a good book man BUT that will be hard :)
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“Social Harmonisation” sounds suspiciously like phrases borrowed from the Communist Party of China !!
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So the Establishment is desperately trying to change its image from a bullying and overbearing intruder of civic affairs to a caring ‘people-friendly organisation?
A decidedly unintelligent move. It would be much more beneficial if citizens stopped disappearing into thin air and secondly, all its political interference came to an immediate end. It would also help if it stopped being a self-appointed adjudicator on patriotism and our uniformed colleagues no longer treated Pakistan as a captive business market to sell their cereals, baked goods, real estate, marriage halls, etc to.
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When we were kids a question was asked “sher ande deta hai ya bachche”? Sher jungle ka badsha hai us ki jo murzi aaye kare!
After repeatedly failing in its primary functions (protecting the borders and rule of constitution, etc.) the army should expand its business empire further to include TV, phone and Internet Services. Now the US money is drying up they need some new streams. What can a PM do to stop that, nothing as he is too busy to save himself from the army/judiciary/mullah alliance.
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Gooad article Kamran saab. If armed forces owning a national radio service is not an example of state within a state, I don’t know what is.
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It is appalling that in Pakistan the army can violate all constitutional guidelines set upon it and go ahead with setting up commercial enterprises without any approval from the Cabinet and the Parliament. There is no provision in the Pakistan Constitution for the Army to be selling services and goods via wedding halls and bakeries to civilians. Similarly, the Army is not authorized to operate a separate media network that targets civilians. The last is constitutionally the responsibility of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting via the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation. It is distressing to note that no attempt is being made to challenge the Army’s illegal intrusion in civilian affairs by either the Parliament or our saviours in the Supreme Court. Suo Motu anyone?
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Who is monkey here?
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Good article as usual from Kamran Shafi. Gone are the days of Radio Pakistan, now FM 96 will serve us very well Certainly our major cities have become not only difficult rather extremely difficult areas. A new radio station will save this country a lot of money and there will be proper advertisement of Askari Bakery, Askari petrol pumps, Askari Qurbani Bakra cake, Askari Bank, Askari textiles, Askari………………………………………..etc….. In a security State areas not difficult to begin with end up becoming equally difficult.Recommend
Hahaha if people like you are getting angry then it must be good lol. Pakistanis have a long and ridiculous problem of blaming everything on the army. Its kind of getting old now. Pakistan is in its current state now not because of its army or govt but because of the people. Indeed good people here are in the minority.
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Err so our military, which they keep on complaining is running out of stores and not receiving compensation under CSF, seems to have the spare cash around to set up a radio station. What a waste! Soon, it will be declared that it is unpatriotic to tune into any other radio channels. At least some colonel saab gets a go at fulfilling his teenage dream of being a radio jockey! And please, the rebuttal that “the army makes sacrifices…”does not apply here.
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The one who still couldn’t pick up who was monkey here :p
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Shafi Sab- I agree all the ills in the country because of Imran Khan. He should be condemned because he failed to make a statement against military.
Regards-
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excellent article. thanks. the state within the state now needs a 24/7 voice! seriously weird.
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@Cheema:
There is no harm in an Army radio channel as a mouth piece but it should be declared as such and should not be guised in civil clothes. The Pentagon channel is dedicated to press conferences, historical and other educational programs and not as a neutral part of free media.
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If i am not wrong it was the same Army’s Gen Mushraf who gave birth to PEMRA ,it was same Army Genral who gave permission for Cross Media Ownership by allowing leading newspapers to launch their News Channels.So if that was not wrong whats the problem with this radio .What else can you expect from an Army in a country where Politicians are bussy in looting,where president who unfortunately happens to be Commander of Armed forces hasnt vistied the war hit areas even once.And with all due reapect you dont need to give your Darling Civilian PM a wake up call for this minor issue .He has some other importants things to do he is already up ,bussy in saving his Cute innocent son in corruption case.Your PM is bussy in teaching Justice to your honrable Supreme Court.Your PM is bussy in telling Courts that his Civilian President is above from all Laws.
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Bandwidth limitations apart, they should name it FM 69, as that would be an apt analogy for what the top army brass is doing for their own interests.
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@Cheema:
It is always good to research before making an assertion. Pentagon Channel contains army news and events and its audience is members of the armed forces. In comparison to Fox, most of the tv channels in Pakistan are mouthpiece of army, or they cannot afford to be otherwise. In case of FM 96, it is clearly stated that its purpose is to bring about social harmony in Pakistan. Incredibly ridiculous!
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An other business venture by the army……with disastrous consequences for democracy. What a shame that army in starting its FM to propagate the agenda of Deep Sate. This is totally unacceptable. Does Indian army own FM network?
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I dont mind anyone spreading radio channels legally but the army shouldnt be running those (except maybe in areas where troops are stationed and do not have access to radio otherwise)
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Huh! It is the beginning of Radio Pakistan Delhi.
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Mr Shafi Indian US and other armies around the world run their own fm radio stations and tv channels, so whats wrong if we have included our name in that list too.
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@Cheema:
There are a dozen other things in USA and Pentagon too . . . e.g not interfering in politics, not hatching conspiracies against elected gov, not disappearing their own citizens, not allocation DHA plots and definite not running canteen and cement business . .
how about following those footsteps too ?
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The US army has a twitter account – if it makes us feel any better!
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We are into the current state of affairs due to these “mediocres”. Social harmonisation is none of a goofy business, leave it to Radio Pakistan.
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At least Kamrab Shafi has guts to call a spade a spade!
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The entire media is pro-establishment, looks like an investment opportunity to earn extra bucks :)
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Nice article and makes good sense.
Sir, you messed up right in the end calling on the PM to end this monkey business. How in heavens name will he find the time to do that, when he and his ilk are involved in monkey business of their own.
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More scams like the NLC to follow. Why does the Army have to defame itself. I agree this is Monkey business in the real sense.
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Kamran Sahib why do you complain of Army doing business when that is the only thing it does best?
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There is money to be made in the broadcast media, plus an opportunity to “educate” the masses. I won’t be surprised if, soon, we have a TV channel, too, named Merya Dhol Sipaahiya.
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@Omar Mohsin Khan:
The writer has not given any credible source of military running the channel. We should not take only his words for facts.Recommend
Well done Kamran sahib, keep exposing the hidden agendas of establishment
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Kamran Sahib Army is the biggest corporate entity of pakistan. so why should it not invest in area as well. It is already present in most of the sector so why should it not be present in this area as well. These people have been ripping off pakistan for the last 65 years.there is nothing new in the article. you missed out many businesses that it is involved in like oil and gas sector, fertiliser sector, banking sectors, cement. And when they run into loss as a result of the follies of those at the top, then they twist the government’s arm to get more fund
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The broadcast of 96 Radio Network is aired through Asia Sat 3 and is uplinked through PTV hub. Does army hold a share in PTV? This broadcast is aired through PBC studios. Has Army purchased these studios? Please stop propogating against your own national army.Have you ever heard any other state citizen so wildly criticising their militaries?
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As per my information 96 Radio Network was established by Ministry of Informatin and Broadcasting
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96 International radio network is the only source of entertainment provided by the state of Pakistan to the tribals. otherwise we could only hear Dewa, Mashal and other radios who always carry out propaganda against Pakistan. Do you want to leave us on the mercy of American Radios along with American drones
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Pakistan Military is one of the biggest corporate organizations if it has a business agenda in radio business which is too small in corporate sector of Pakistan wont it be unwise to invest in an industry which is not much profit earning???
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96 Radio Network is an off shoot of Radio Pakistan that alone is fighting against dirity propoganda of American and Indian Radios. Recommend
Sab ko Salam!
CNN documantery on FM 96 Radio as an effective government effort can be seen on the link below.
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2009/10/30/ctw.sayah.swat.radio.wars.cnn?iref=videosearch
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Kafran Shafi Sahib.
Has it been a powerful military establishment which had the ability to get a finance secretary appointed to stop PBC funds dont you think it could have got the appointment of defence secretary of its own choice? Why military should stop funds of PBC or more interestingly why cant PBC earn enough revenue itself with the largest broadcast access in the country? under the present enviornment once military is criticised every where for every thing wheather have they commited or not, why should they come into the radio bussiness for which the professional organisation like PBC is suffering financial lossess.Recommend
next the judiciary will be wanting its own radio station !
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@s shah:
96 International Radio network is the only one channel who provided Entertainment and infotainment and also discuss about the current situation and social issues in those areas where no any other such medium. The people,s are liking 96 International Radio Network so much and they are view that we can,t listen any others channel like, Mashall radio,Dewa radio,BBC indian radio channel accept 96 Radio network. Because 96 Radio Network in our home radio channel.
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why we start think negatively,yet Apna Pakistan is not started and we all negatively commenting on it,first start the channel then we all will comment on it.
RecommendShafi! I wish that PBC would have lived up to the task placed before it is a dying organisation because of the incmpetent and insincere people placed on the helm of affairs. Their DG is a point in case who became a DG from a VOA DJ overnight. When all meda channels are earning huge prifits, PBC cant pay its own employees. SOme one has to defend Pakistan against the sophisticated media an psy warfare bing waged against the state of Pakistan. I hope Army is looking after this front as well. May be PBC will learn a lesson from this new channel that you have talke about.
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@Ismail Khan Dauar: ur link doesnt work, this is the orrect one, good story.
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2009/10/30/ctw.sayah.swat.radio.wars.cnn
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@Fawad:
I am working at PBC myself, I agree with you with a sad heart. We broadcast more US Aid programs these days than our own programs. I hope some one will put a stop to it. If PM has to do some thing he should make Radio Pakistan – Radio Paksitan again,, instead of VOA packaged as Radio Pakistan.
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@Hafeez
” In comparison to Fox, most of the tv channels in Pakistan are mouthpiece of army, or they cannot afford to be otherwise”
LOL, Most of the channels in Pakistan just spread poison against the armed forces. Its a new fad i guess. Just watch the daily coverage. Recently there was a letter published in dawn from a soldier serving in Siachin which totally agreed with my thesis. But sometimes you don’t see the light even if its in front of you. But anyway you are entitled to your opinion.
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Khyber Agency :We Tribal peoples warm demand from President and PM Gilani that plz Help with FM96 admistration for best Courage of that Radio, because FM96 is only Radio that we lasson and got Information from all pakistan, there is not light and no TV,s and others facilties.
we appreciate FM96 administration for best playing Songs and Sharing breaking News live>
Amirzada Afridi from Jamrud Khyber Agency 0333 9356 578
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we tribals peopels harmly demand from prisedent pakistan and PM Gilani that facilitats FM96 administrator becuase it,s only one source that comunicate the peoples,Theres is not have lights and not available Tv,s and Cables> Amirzada Afridi
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Kamran Shafi shb you have written very daring article i really appreciate this but if you have courage then why don’t you write about voice of America whose transmissions are only heard and seen in Pakistan and Afghanistan and Voice of America has no right to show it’s transmission in America and radio Pakistan is playing 6 hours voice of America transmission so in your opinion Pakistan Army is bad because FM 96 is becoming voice of Pakistan and radio Pakistan is good that is airing Voice of America what you say….?
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Dear Kamran Shafi very subjective approach, i think you need to listen VOA Urdu service programs, IN THE NEWS, ROUND TABLE & others six hour’s program daily broacast form Washington DC…Why PBC Broadcat these programs?? PBC do’t have A+ Broadcaster? I am asking why government, Opposition & well known journalist can’t wirte or talk in there famous tv shows…If 96 International Radio network going national wide… lets appriciate..if 96 need some guaidness..lets us we all teach them.
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I think it is not a right argument for anyone to tell that why the pak army established a radio channel.I am from tribal area in my area we con,t listening radio pakistan clearly. but you Kamran shafi tell that the people listening it clearly.i lauded the role of 96 radio because its playing a crucial role in infotainment. i am not separate the both radio channels that,s our own radio channels and request the management of both radio to establish more channels. 96 radio raised the social and development issue of tribal area.in shoat i am not agree with Kamran shafi view that its monkey business.
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wow,wake up PM.instead of this noble deed army has done for the depressed people of different areas this man is criticizing army,very good keep it up,but why do not you talk about the awareness of the masses there,my elder do not you think this will bring back cooperation and respect of army back with the people,Problem with Pakistanis is, they don’t do anything good but if some one else does that then get jealous,please be positive minded and think,write and talk the positive aspects of this 96 Radio,i know the aims of this radio myself i know they wana bring the people of this country close ti each other and to bring back our culture…..so please let it bring change in this poor societies otherwise upcoming generations will never forgive you by writing like this Recommend
Learned as you may be Mr. Shafi, i believe the sociopolitical dilemmas you witness on that tiny homely screen of yours has taken its toll. No doubt Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation had its golden days but these days are long gone all thanks to the current DG PBC , who like any other senior SARKARI official has his affiliations with the political party you and i are well familiar with, and the policies crafted to tame Official Media.
@Fawad: The current DG has not only been a prestigious VOA DJ but ironically has already been rejected once in a PBC Producer Exam a good few years back.
As far as the esteemed columnist’s views over the FM network and its financial support are concerned may i ask you one thing and one thing only? Is it the Indian or Israeli Military we are talking about launching a media campaign to sabotage our National Identity??? Or do you have even the slightest idea who is financing the FM channels running throughout the country in the private sector??? If you don’t i believe you should be kind enough to complete your research my dear.
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Well, if ISPR has a good objective of bringing people of this country together, dont you think k you should support it? ISPR had other media projects too like Sunehrey Din and ABC…Whats wrong with that? I am so sorry if you are that against a good objective and against 96. ……..FM 96 has professional broadcasting and unbiased broadcasting. Just check some of the other FMs……what are they promoting? Some of them dont even celebrate 23rd March.. PBC was a big name and a training academy in yesteryears but now no more.. Just check their programming grid and broadcasters…They dont even have a B rated broadcaster these days……Acha RJ hone mein aur acha broadcaster hone mein boht farak hey……….Fm 96 works on an objective…and holds a true. vision…….What FM is talking about our national identity these days? is there any except 96? I dont think so……….96 is the only platform that is giving right level of entertainment to its listeners……..Kitne tribals areas ke loag radio pakistan sunte hein? I am disappointed.. Let 96 be true voice of our country……..and support it………Recommend
I want to ask the MODERATORS why my comments were not put on the website? I posted them on April 18th, and they did not have any offensive words or anything. Very unfair and displeasing.
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Amazing work Sadaf thats what we really need 2 talk about.In our daily life we really dont bother 4 such issues but in somehow it effects ppl in many ways.i worked 4 a radio new management of that radio Banned Äazan” they banned all the patriotic shows …..Wat is going on?????So good 2 c many ppl take it seriously n they commented on this artical…..
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