Daily Times

8? No, 34!

No, no 45?

Are you crazy? 150

Have you lost it? 274

Dishonour on your cow! 1000

Last week consumed all of Pakistan with scandalising accounts of casualties resulting as a direct consequence of PTI’s march on Islamabad. That most of its leadership is busy casting allegations on the law enforcement agencies, providing readily available fodder for propaganda machinery operating from overseas does not help prove its credibility. Where are the bodies, one wonders? What about the bereaved? Any thoughts on the acute sense of insecurity felt by those accused of killing their brethren?

In recent years, the landscape of Pakistani politics has been marred by the growing influence of propaganda. Considering how social media warriors keep discarding facts for fiction in their search for YouTube-dollars, this disturbing trend has raised serious concerns about the integrity and credibility of the country’s media.

The PTI’s relentless promotion of false narratives and misleading information has cast a dark shadow over the principles of fair and balanced journalism. The party’s blatant disregard for facts and truth has compromised the ethical standards of journalism in Pakistan, turning the once-revered profession into a tool for political manipulation. The recent debacle surrounding the allegations made by PTI against the law enforcement authorities is a glaring example of the party’s malicious propaganda tactics. Despite lacking any concrete evidence, PTI officials have shamelessly resorted to spreading misinformation and false accusations, tarnishing the reputation of the entire country.

The PTI’s relentless promotion of false narratives and misleading information has cast a dark shadow over the principles of fair and balanced journalism.

Of course, the proliferation of propaganda in Pakistani journalism has similarly fueled a toxic culture of distrust and division within society. By promoting polarizing narratives and sowing seeds of discord, media outlets aligned with political parties like PTI have deepened the existing rifts among the populace, undermining the social fabric of the nation. Furthermore, the unchecked spread of propaganda has eroded the public’s trust in the media as a reliable source of information. With fake news and misinformation running rampant, it has become increasingly challenging for citizens to discern the truth from the lies, further exacerbating the prevailing sense of confusion and disillusionment.

In light of these alarming developments, the journalism community in Pakistan must take a firm stand against the rampant spread of propaganda. Media organizations must uphold their ethical responsibilities and prioritize the pursuit of truth over political agendas, safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the profession. Additionally, there is a pressing need for independent oversight and accountability mechanisms to be established to monitor and regulate the dissemination of information in the media. By holding journalists and media outlets accountable for their actions, the public can be assured that they are receiving accurate and unbiased news coverage, free from the taint of propaganda.

As the spectre of propaganda continues to loom large over Pakistani journalism, it is incumbent upon all stakeholders, including journalists, media organizations, and the public, to collectively combat this insidious threat. Let us stand united against the tide of propaganda and uphold the principles of journalism that serve as the bedrock of our democracy.

The writer is OpEd Editor (Daily Times) and can be reached at durenayab786@gmail.com. She tweets @DureAkram