Obtaining access: High frequency FM radio to be launched in Mohmand Agency

Service to begin by mid-May to counter militant propaganda.

GHALLANI: After launching military operations in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, the next step for the army was to try and block spread of the anti-state agenda.

Militants have long used radio channels for propaganda and to broadcast their speeches. Such infamous stations included the one run by Mullah Fazlullah in Swat, Mangal Bagh in Khyber Agency and Mullah Faqeer Muhammad radio in Bajaur Agency.

These radio stations were functional in regions where state media had little or no reach. The government (and non-profits) have since decided to launch FM radio stations in Fata so the public which is otherwise deprived of access to mass media can both receive and provide information.



However, this is not the first time a radio station is being launched in Mohmand Agency. After the operation in 2011, an FM radio station was launched from Mohmand Rifles camp at Ghallanai, at a frequency of 300 megahertz. Mohmand Agency Political Agent Waqar Ali Khan says 1,500 radio sets were to be distributed in the agency then. However, technical issues were faced in the test transmission and so the distribution of radio sets was cancelled.

Modifications

“Now we have decided to increase the frequency from 300 megahertz,” said Waqar during his visit to the site at Nahqi Top where a booster was being installed. “We will install boosters on Nahqi Top in a building that is under construction at a cost of Rs1.5 million.”

After the booster is installed and the building is constructed, Waqar said radio transmissions will be accessible to everyone; not only in Mohmand Agency but also in Bajaur and Khyber agencies as well as in parts of Afghanistan situated on the border.

Counter-rhetoric

Presently, the low-frequency transmission called Naya Sahar is broadcasted for two hours in a day from 6pm to 8pm in limited areas in Mohmand Agency. “After the station is upgraded and its shows hit the airwaves by mid-May,” said Waqar, “The duration of the transmission will increase and special programmes will be aired where locals can discuss their issues which will then be redressed by officials of the administration.”

With the launch of an upgraded radio system in Fata, stations such as those still named after militant commanders will be countered, he said. A mobile cell tower should also be installed in near future, added Waqar.

Mohmand Press Club President Shakirullah Khan told The Express Tribune most of the population of the agency resides in villages where means of communication and access to media are not at par with those in settled areas. The radio station will at least help them reach the political administration for grievances and the latter would be able to receive feedback from them through the medium.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2015.