The 73rd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on June 21, 2019, on the theme of “Role of Media for Social Cohesion”. Media being the forth pillar of the state, has a huge onus to educate people about their commitment to rule of law and social cohesion.
The first guest on show, Mr. Kashif-ud-Din, an anchorperson and senior journalist, noted that media has a great leverage in shaping the public opinion, carving narratives and educating the masses on the virtues of socially cohesive and peaceful countries. Media is the most viable tool for strategic communication and dissemination whose positive or negative uses can either unite or disintegrate – respectively – the society.
Contrary to its performance a few years back, media has been increasingly realizing its community development role by dispensing local information, demand oriented, conflict conscious and community focused programming. It is now responsibly taking up and highlighting issues that concern public the most. Responsible journalism demands impartiality; providing truthful information exclusive of the false facts of the matter. Only by such impartial journalism, can we educate the society effectively. The media houses should also play their part; promoting ethical standards in journalism that are conducive to positive messaging on cohesion in the society.
There are several examples where media made outstanding contributions in upholding rule of law; highlighting illegal activities in the society and holding both citizens and public representatives accountable. Its role must also be appreciated in countering and dispelling the extremist perspectives and ideologies respectively; giving no space to any such anti-state propaganda that can jeopardize the national integration.
We should also not ignore the effects of social media on the society – which is not regulated like mainstream media – where it is exposed to misinformation and fake news.
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), media organizations and independent journalists should make collective and parallel efforts to foster social cohesion and orient the society with the ideals like rule of law, respect and equality.
Youth must realize their potential in socio-political and economic progress, and democratic development of the country. Being the most active and major users of social media, there is an incredible onus on them to dispel negative messaging. Parents should also monitor the social media usage of children to ensure its positive utilization. The educational institutions can also play an important role in educating the students on the positive uses of media and that how it can ultimately mark their contribution to the development and cohesion of the country.
He said that the CRSS’s initiative on social cohesion; Ulasi Taroon, is an extremely positive step towards change through public education and empowerment.
The second guest on phone, Ms. Farzana Ali, Bureau Chief, Aaj News, said that nowadays, media is though facing restrictions on several areas but still, it is playing its role in meeting public’s information needs. It has an immense potential is strengthening social harmony and understanding and educating the masses on their roles as responsible citizens. It is also helping the government institutions with their oversight mechanism by highlighting the violations of law as a measure of accountable governance.
She concluded by recognizing the importance of PEMRA and its oversight mechanism. However, more media freedom will help it better meet the public’s information needs and undertake participatory programming.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.