Freedom of Expression as a Fundamental Human Right
The latest episode Jarga Maraka (Debate and Council) was focused on the importance of the basic human rights, specifically the freedom of expression. Mehmood Jan Babar, a senior journalist and analyst was the studio guest in the show. He said that our society is passing through a transition period due to the ubiquity of social and electronic media. He said that this freedom is necessary as every individual becomes a powerful counterbalance, corruption is exposed, and the culpable feel the noose tighten in the court of public opinion. He added that although Article 19 of our constitution affords freedom of expression, many institutions and individuals use a range of pressure tactics to keep the media from openly commenting on certain taboo subjects.
Mr. Babar further criticized the faltering state of media ethics, shunning of the responsibility of public good, and the unwillingness to follow PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) rules. He added that PEMRA must implement all rules and regulations across the board, unequivocally and without prejudice. This, he added, can be a crucial step in countering radicalization on the airwaves.
Mr. Babar said that there is a dire need of awareness for using social media. The majority of social media users are illiterate, or do not understand their rights, responsibilities and limits when using these platforms.
As many as four listeners took part in the program expressing their views regarding the topic.
About Sabawoon:
Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programme, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion.
The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM.
On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday.
The primary objective of the show has been to underline the criticality of constitutionalism, fundamental rights, public accountability and the rule of law for countering extremism illegalities of all forms.