I would argue that sections of the media try to influence government policies and mould public opinion
ISLAMABAD: This is with reference to Rasul Baksh Rais’s article “A deadly narrative” of January 2.
The writer’s identification of the root cause why terrorism is tolerated in Pakistani society is correct and apt. He has rightly criticised government institutions for their follies and ignorance for not looking beyond their nose. But the writer seems to have pardoned the media due to inexperience and because, in his view, it is still in a growing stage.
I would disagree on this point because in my view the media provided a vehicle to terrorists and their sympathisers for forwarding their agenda and for obtaining support from the masses who are already quite confused. I would argue that sections of the media try to influence government policies and mould public opinion in a manner that lent sympathy to the militants.
The same goes for the so-called civil society and the political parties. If only the latter could think beyond extending their regime by hook or by crook and focus on what is in the national interest, we could all have seen a united front against the militants much earlier.
Tahir Islam
Published in The Express Tribune, January 4th, 2015.
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