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Media as the Fourth Pillar of State

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MEDIA AS THE FOURTH PILLAR OF STATE The revival and reinvigoration of "media " in every domain, primarily after 9/11 has changed the course of information landscape in Pakistan . The evolution of media,that commenced in 2002 ,with merely one TV channel and radio station has now climbed to nearly 100 TV channels and 145 radio stations respectively. Moreover,the proliferation of news channels ( 42 Tv channels) that are telecasting 24/7 speaks volume about the growth , expansion and strength of electronic media . In addition to information ,entertainment and education, today's media industry also serves the function of an opinion maker that is shaping ideas and framing the political discourse of Pakistan. Over the past decade ,media has played an influential role in this respect, as manifested notably in the lawyer's movement to restore judiciary,the Lal-Masjid and the recent Dharna . Considering the respective increasing role ,it can be safely stated that media has become an influential stakeholder as well as the fourth pillar of state. Traditionally, "Democracy " is based on three pillars that is ," legislative " ,"executive " and "judiciary " ,but "media " is now considered as the fourth pillar of state . The increased and instrumental role of media as the fourth pillar of state,can be attributed to the fragile writ of government and a lack of consensus of the state institutions over matters of utmost national interest. This lack of consensus and coordination ,for instance can be observed in the shape of civil-military split over the inconclusive and failed peace talks with Taliban held last year.Moreover, the Islamabad "Dharna " marked by street power and "GoNawaz Go "slogan ,that prolonged for more than 100 days clearly demonstrates the challenged posed to the writ of government . In other words, the three pillars of democracy have lost their credibility due to the the public perception that have rendered them as mere toothless and ineffectual:The legislature is accused of passing laws that are routinely breeched and accustomed to serve vested interests. The executive and judiciary ,on the other hand have been politicized and criticized to the extent that they have lost their will to take decisions . The machinery to implement decisions,is therefore rusted and the mutual coordination between these three pillars,as a result is non-existent . The inherent weaknesses of the state institutions ,thus allowed the "media" to play its role as an investigator,prosecutor and judge as well. The booming electronic ,print and social media in particular therefore functions to fill and bridge the gap between government and public . It not only creates awareness on important social,political and economic problems but function as a watchdog , with regard to misgovernance and policies pursued by the government. The tragic and terrible stories of corruption and misgovernance in Sindh province,for instance can be cited here . The negligence ,mishandling and mismanagement that led to the deaths of, more than 500 children in Tharparkar is being highlighted to the extent that the government machinery ,from executive to judiciary came into action. Consequently, the inquiry commission report to probe negligence found "starvation" ,not as the major cause of Thar fatalities and held the Sindh ministry of health responsible and accountable in this regard.A recent manifestation of media's role as an investigator can be observed ,with regard to the identification and disclosure of corrupt politicians who are involved in economic terrorism.Doctor Shahid Masood , a prominent news anchor and analyst recently investigated and uncovered the names of sitting government officials (Sindh),who are directly involved in the "china-cutting " corruption case in particular . Furthermore, Raoof Clasra,a prominent investigative generalist reveal and uncover the stories of incompetence,corruption and misgovernance of politicians and national institutions . The media , therefore serves the role of accountability and making people aware of the rights and duties in relation to the state. In conclusion, it can be safely stated that media is the fourth pillar of state but media that is going through the evolution phase should be made accountable under the specified rules and regulations of PAMRA respectively. The media industry cannot be spared on the assumption that it's new and just going through a phase of evolution.
" The INVISIBLE" 3rd December,celebrated as International Didsability Day worldwide and in Pakistan as well is a day to make visible "the invisible ": Let's for a moment ponder over the current situation of one of the neglected and marginalized segment of our society. As a matter of fact,no accurate data or statistics exists on the number and magnitude of Persons with Disabilities living in Pakistan .Moreover, there's not even one scientific study or survey ever carried out at national level to identify or comprehensively assess the problems of differently able , which according to World Health estimates varies between approximately 3.3- 27 m people , larger than the combined population of Scandinavia. A recent study by UNESCO suggests that as many as 1.4m children with disabilities have no access to inclusive or special educational institutions. Furthermore, the research findings of "Moving from the Margins : Mainstreaming Persons with Disabilities in Pakistan " ,a report published by the British Council in August last year speaks volume about the attitudinal ,physical and societal barriers faced by the population who's left at the margins of society . The Economic Intelligence Unit, who conducted this research found that the exclusion of PWDS from employment has led to the economic lossess of as much as US $ 11.9bm to 15.4 bm which will rise to 20.1bm by 2018 respectively . This is a loss of talent as well as the continuation of viscious cycle which will lead to poverty for those who are differently able ,stated Peter Upton , Country Director of British Council while expressing his views over the dismal state of affairs. Nevertheless, there are some celebrated achievements in the past : Noteworthy among is the one and only piece of legislation that's passed in 1981 for Persons with Disabilities. This respective ordinance which laid the foundation for segregated education in the form of special schools and unfair quota system in both educational and employment sector continued to be poorly implemented . The peaceful demonstrations of differently able community( in front of Punjab Assembly and on streets ) for the enforcement of just 2%quota every now and then vividly depicts the failure of state to protect the basic human rights respectively . In addition to this, the " National Policy" for PWDS , that's formulated in 2002 in the wake of strong disability movement " does not contain a single word about Women with disabilities ,undoubtedly reflects discrimination .This respective document that merely acknowledge the rights of Men with disabilities vanished into the air after the 18th amendment and the business as usual continues. A glaring example of this is the pending "principle of accessibility" included in the special citizen's act( 2008) which seeks to make public places and transport accessible for Persons with disabilities ,does not make a slight reference to access to information techonology respectively.Sad but true, the currently pending act,if approved timely could have make the metro bus system accessible for differently able persons.Indeed, the political will to empower PWDs by providing equal rights and opportunities is certainly lacking. The Convention on the rights of Persons with Disabilities(came into force in 2008) clearly articulate the government's commitment to protect the civic,political ,economic and social rights ofPWDS along with the efforts for "inclusion "in the mainstream sphere of life . Pakistan ratified CRPD three years ago ,but unfortunately not much has materialised since then :unequal access to education, work, transport,information ,communication perpetuates millions are still excluded from schools ,universities ,jobs , and last but not the least, no allocation of representative seats in Parliament so far . Today is another 3rd December and nothing changed: the bitter reality is that everything remain the same for the "invisible " : unseen and unheard people who exists nowhere ! and thus, faced a world steeped in pity,stigma and ignorance. The picture painted above is not peculiar to Pakistan . Discrimination ,exclusion and neglect of Persons with Disabilities can be observed in every corner of the world.While the conditions are not perfect in the underdeveloped world , but atleast the wheels are set in motion.Whereas in our homeland , there is an impairment on government's part to even carved a well-articulated policy that address segregation and provides equal rights and public representation to persons with Disabilities. This spell of inertia has to be broken : the Persons with Disabilities are human beings above all and undoubtedly, dignity is conferred upon human beings unconditionally. Dignity,Empowerment and Rights has to be replaced by the Culture of Pity ,Discrimination and Ignorance . Message of The Day :Disability is not impairment ( whether visual,physical,speech ,intellectual) or an inability ,as generally perceived but a diversity that needs to be accepted.
MEDIA AS THE FOURTH PILLAR OF STATE The revival and reinvigoration of "media " in every domain, primarily after 9/11 has changed the course of information landscape in Pakistan . The evolution of media,that commenced in 2002 ,with merely one TV channel and radio station has now climbed to nearly 100 TV channels and 145 radio stations respectively. Moreover,the proliferation of news channels ( 42 Tv channels) that are telecasting 24/7 speaks volume about the growth , expansion and strength of electronic media . In addition to information ,entertainment and education, today's media industry also serves the function of an opinion maker that is shaping ideas and framing the political discourse of Pakistan. Over the past decade ,media has played an influential role in this respect, as manifested notably in the lawyer's movement to restore judiciary,the Lal-Masjid and the recent Dharna . Considering the respective increasing role ,it can be safely stated that media has become an influential stakeholder as well as the fourth pillar of state. Traditionally, "Democracy " is based on three pillars that is ," legislative " ,"executive " and "judiciary " ,but "media " is now considered as the fourth pillar of state . The increased and instrumental role of media as the fourth pillar of state,can be attributed to the fragile writ of government and a lack of consensus of the state institutions over matters of utmost national interest. This lack of consensus and coordination ,for instance can be observed in the shape of civil-military split over the inconclusive and failed peace talks with Taliban held last year.Moreover, the Islamabad "Dharna " marked by street power and "GoNawaz Go "slogan ,that prolonged for more than 100 days clearly demonstrates the challenged posed to the writ of government . In other words, the three pillars of democracy have lost their credibility due to the the public perception that have rendered them as mere toothless and ineffectual:The legislature is accused of passing laws that are routinely breeched and accustomed to serve vested interests. The executive and judiciary ,on the other hand have been politicized and criticized to the extent that they have lost their will to take decisions . The machinery to implement decisions,is therefore rusted and the mutual coordination between these three pillars,as a result is non-existent . The inherent weaknesses of the state institutions ,thus allowed the "media" to play its role as an investigator,prosecutor and judge as well. The booming electronic ,print and social media in particular therefore functions to fill and bridge the gap between government and public . It not only creates awareness on important social,political and economic problems but function as a watchdog , with regard to misgovernance and policies pursued by the government. The tragic and terrible stories of corruption and misgovernance in Sindh province,for instance can be cited here . The negligence ,mishandling and mismanagement that led to the deaths of, more than 500 children in Tharparkar is being highlighted to the extent that the government machinery ,from executive to judiciary came into action. Consequently, the inquiry commission report to probe negligence found "starvation" ,not as the major cause of Thar fatalities and held the Sindh ministry of health responsible and accountable in this regard.A recent manifestation of media's role as an investigator can be observed ,with regard to the identification and disclosure of corrupt politicians who are involved in economic terrorism.Doctor Shahid Masood , a prominent news anchor and analyst recently investigated and uncovered the names of sitting government officials (Sindh),who are directly involved in the "china-cutting " corruption case in particular . Furthermore, Raoof Clasra,a prominent investigative generalist reveal and uncover the stories of incompetence,corruption and misgovernance of politicians and national institutions . The media , therefore serves the role of accountability and making people aware of the rights and duties in relation to the state. In conclusion, it can be safely stated that media is the fourth pillar of state but media that is going through the evolution phase should be made accountable under the specified rules and regulations of PAMRA respectively. The media industry cannot be spared on the assumption that it's new and just going through a phase of evolution. MEDIA AS THE FOURTH PILLAR OF STATE The revival and reinvigoration of "media " in every domain, primarily after 9/11 has changed the course of information landscape in Pakistan . The evolution of media,that commenced in 2002 ,with merely one TV channel and radio station has now climbed to nearly 100 TV channels and 145 radio stations respectively. Moreover,the proliferation of news channels ( 42 Tv channels) that are telecasting 24/7 speaks volume about the growth , expansion and strength of electronic media . In addition to information ,entertainment and education, today's media industry also serves the function of an opinion maker that is shaping ideas and framing the political discourse of Pakistan. Over the past decade ,media has played an influential role in this respect, as manifested notably in the lawyer's movement to restore judiciary,the Lal-Masjid and the recent Dharna . Considering the respective increasing role ,it can be safely stated that media has become an influential stakeholder as well as the fourth pillar of state. Traditionally, "Democracy " is based on three pillars that is ," legislative " ,"executive " and "judiciary " ,but "media " is now considered as the fourth pillar of state . The increased and instrumental role of media as the fourth pillar of state,can be attributed to the fragile writ of government and a lack of consensus of the state institutions over matters of utmost national interest. This lack of consensus and coordination ,for instance can be observed in the shape of civil-military split over the inconclusive and failed peace talks with Taliban held last year.Moreover, the Islamabad "Dharna " marked by street power and "GoNawaz Go "slogan ,that prolonged for more than 100 days clearly demonstrates the challenged posed to the writ of government . In other words, the three pillars of democracy have lost their credibility due to the the public perception that have rendered them as mere toothless and ineffectual:The legislature is accused of passing laws that are routinely breeched and accustomed to serve vested interests. The executive and judiciary ,on the other hand have been politicized and criticized to the extent that they have lost their will to take decisions . The machinery to implement decisions,is therefore rusted and the mutual coordination between these three pillars,as a result is non-existent . The inherent weaknesses of the state institutions ,thus allowed the "media" to play its role as an investigator,prosecutor and judge as well. The booming electronic ,print and social media in particular therefore functions to fill and bridge the gap between government and public . It not only creates awareness on important social,political and economic problems but function as a watchdog , with regard to misgovernance and policies pursued by the government. The tragic and terrible stories of corruption and misgovernance in Sindh province,for instance can be cited here . The negligence ,mishandling and mismanagement that led to the deaths of, more than 500 children in Tharparkar is being highlighted to the extent that the government machinery ,from executive to judiciary came into action. Consequently, the inquiry commission report to probe negligence found "starvation" ,not as the major cause of Thar fatalities and held the Sindh ministry of health responsible and accountable in this regard.A recent manifestation of media's role as an investigator can be observed ,with regard to the identification and disclosure of corrupt politicians who are involved in economic terrorism.Doctor Shahid Masood , a prominent news anchor and analyst recently investigated and uncovered the names of sitting government officials (Sindh),who are directly involved in the "china-cutting " corruption case in particular . Furthermore, Raoof Clasra,a prominent investigative generalist reveal and uncover the stories of incompetence,corruption and misgovernance of politicians and national institutions . The media , therefore serves the role of accountability and making people aware of the rights and duties in relation to the state. In conclusion, it can be safely stated that media is the fourth pillar of state but media that is going through the evolution phase should be made accountable under the specified rules and regulations of PAMRA respectively. The media industry cannot be spared on the assumption that it's new and just going through a phase of evolution.
August Forteen : Evoke the Forgotten: Years come and go ,but the memorable moments in which a nation's carved out on the map of world live forever .August forteen ,1947, remembered as the day that change the course of history : a nation was born on the basis of two-nation theory that is knitted under the fold of ideology . An "ideology " , that symbolizes "unity,faith ,discipline " and nothing above all . With the onset of August, Jashney-e-Azadi celebrations, primarily organized under the government apparatus ,along with the participation of Pakistani souls begins with full zeal and fervour and undoubtedly , reflects a spectacular picture. However, while looking at these three words: "Unity,Faith,Discipline" cemented across the capital, still considered to be as pillars of our nation appears to me, merely shambles that reflects chaos and confusion everywhere .I, the youth of Pakistan with a sense of pride ask fervently : We haven't forgotten this day , "true ". Infact, as a Pakistani who loves his homeland : we still celebrate and manifests our patriotism , "true". " Pak sarzameen " sadly replied : Unfortunately, we don't remember one and only asset : "Pakistan " , our role-model : founding father" who created Pakistan ,and even our "ideology " that is the foundation on which we stand as a nation. We only remember our ethnicity ,our sect ,our cast ,creed , our status ,position,property and vice versa . Let's evoke the message of our founding father to the "youth" of Pakistan , in order to find our forgotten homeland : *Faithfully and loyally, let me give you this word of warning: you will be making the greatest mistake if you allow yourself to be exploited by one political party or another. thrown off those shackles. My young friends, I look forward to you as the real makers of Pakistan, do not be exploited and do not be misled. Create amongst yourselves complete unity and solidarity. Set an example of what youth can do. Your main occupation should be –in fairness to yourself, in fairness to your parents, in fairness to the State to devote your attention to your studies. If you fritter away your energies now, you will always regret. After you leave the portals of your universities and colleges taken you, can play your part freely and help yourself and the State. *Islam has taught us this, and I think you will agree with me that whatever else you may be and whatever you are, you are a Muslim. You belong to a Nation now; you have now carved out a territory, vast territory, it is all yours; it does not belong to a Punjabi or a Sindhi, or a Pathan, or a Bengali; it is yours. *If you want to build up yourself into a Nation, for God’s sake give up this provincialism. Provincialism has been one of the curses; and so is sectionalism –Shia, Sunni, etc. * Now I ask you to get rid of this provincialism, because as long as you allow this poison to remain in the body politic of Pakistan, believe me, you will never be a strong nation, and you will never be able to achieve what I wish we could achieve. * Without education it is complete darkness and with education it is light. Education is a matter of life and death to our nation. The world is moving so fast that if you do not educate yourselves you will be not only completely left behind, but will be finished up. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) had enjoined his followers to go even to China in the pursuit of knowledge. If that was the commandment in those days when communications were difficult, then, truly, Muslims as the true followers of the glorious heritage of Islam, should surely utilize all available opportunities. No sacrifice of time or personal comfort should be regarded too great for the advancement of the cause of education.” * Excerpts from Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah’s public speech in Dhaka on March 21, 1948. Pakistan Zindabad.
Media as the Fourth Pillar of State

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Media as the Fourth Pillar of State

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