JUBAIL, SAUDI ARABIA: Whenever a few Pakistanis meet, whether living in the mother country or overseas, the only topic which comes under discussion is the growing extremism and its consequences in the form of religious and sectarian terrorism. Everyone comes up with his/her analysis and suggests ways to deal with the state of affairs. Someone may blame the ongoing war on terror while others hold the madrassas responsible for the increasing terrorism. However, one important aspect is generally missed out — the communication space available for the propagation of extremist views on the electronic media and social networks (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube). In a blind race for ratings and increased revenue, Pakistan’s electronic media provides prime time to religious extremists to air their views without any censor.
Just a few days back, a TV channel aired an hour-long interview with a singer-turned-preacher, who now runs a successful business. He has a visible following among the people from his days as a singer, therefore, whatever he says on TV is copied by his fans. On the show, he aired his views referring to scholars’ interpretation of religious scriptures, to make himself sound more credible. TV channels and electronic media regulators need to think whether they are serving the nation by allowing such views go uncensored.
The preacher said that if someone wants to lead a happy married life, he should not teach his wife how to drive and should not let her go out as she may soon leave him forever. He rejected the possibility that even single parents need to earn a living and so have to step out of their homes. Our TV channels permit dozens of such people to voice opinions that may have nothing to do with religion.
Masood Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, February 12th, 2013.
