Daily Times

Sir: The English language is viewed as a universal dialect and the dialect of science and innovation. It is amongst the most widely used languages in the world, which makes it the perfect medium for conveying information, entertainment and news to both local and international communities.

India is one country that has a long list of English news and entertainment channels which they use not only to attract a larger audience around the globe, but to also spew unverified negative publicity against Pakistan. They are being not only being accused of financing extremism in different countries in South Asia, they are also taking the blame for instigating rebellion movements in Indian-held Kashmir and carrying out terrorist attacks across the border in India and Afghanistan.

For our part, due to the serious lack of English channels in our country, we do not have an appropriate medium to defend ourselves, or present evidence to counter their fake news. We have countless Urdu channels which are really good, but it is ultimately of no use as English is the only true universal language around. It can be used to change the minds of our enemies and can be used as a tool to influence their thought. We are currently in a battle of wits with our many detractors and English channels can be used to project a positive image of our country, around the globe. Unfortunately, our media houses don’t really seem to care.

MARIUM AMAD

Karachi

Published in Daily Times, June 21^st 2018.