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Dr. Ahsan Akhtar Naz Director Institute of Communication Studies University of the Punjab
In addition to administrative and academic jobs, he has worked as a full-time working journalist for daily Jang. It brought the practical knowledge of the field to him.
He did his post-doctorate from Germany. He studied the dynamics of the relationship between Interfaith Dialogue and Media. His doctorate was on the study of Progressive Journalism in Pakistan. This dissertation proved to be a monumental work, for it profoundly explores and highlights the manifestation of the movement and ideology in the practical works of the left-winger journalists.
He writes columns in Urdu and English newspapers; has been creatively teaching about 25 subjects since his joining; has authored 5 books on Media Ethics and Media Laws; participated in various national and international conferences home and abroad; and written 16 research articles so far.
Driven by the genetic imperatives, that is, being the son of a renowned poet, late Majzoob Chishti, Dr Naz too writes poetry.
JWT conducted a detailed interview with the media scholar. Keeping the theme of the December issue in view, the focal point of the discussion was kept nothing beyond foreign policy in perspective of Pakistani media.
JWT: What role the print media play in outlining the foreign policy of Pakistan?
Dr. Ahsan Akhtar Naz: First of all, I want to highlight a technical point related to print media for your readers. Print media of a country are generally practised in the local languages of the country; though they have outreach beyond the borders of the country, nonetheless, they have nothing to do with steering or even influencing the foreign policy of a country across the border.
As far as the foreign policy of Pakistan is concerned, it is the electronic media, not print media, that influences it.
Now another important point is that while talking about the role of print media we should not forget the history of government-media relations. Due to the dictatorial regimes, our print media remained under pressure, rather in chains even. In fact, media economy is based on advertisements and paper quotas so, our media was compelled to exhibit compliance to the government of the country for its survival. Now in such a situation we cannot expect from our print media to play a role in policy making, especially in devising the foreign policy of Pakistan.
Furthermore, our foreign policies are dictated by the powerful countries. Instead of breaking the shambles, our rulers always consolidated it. In our country, foreign ministers are appointed on the directions of the foreign powers; for instance at the time of first regime of Benazir Bhutto Sahibzada Yaqoob Khan was inducted as foreign minister of her cabinet, and she had to surrender to the decision, because she couldn’t stand tall against the US pressure; in spite of being known as the champion of democracy.
DR NAZ: Yeah, that is right!
Interestingly, Indians have a different strategy than us. At one side, our cable operators are not allowed to show Indian news channels on the other Indians are also not interested to allow their TV channels in Pakistan. Instead, they concentrate to open their entertainment TV channels in the Middle East and Pakistan in order to invade these countries through cultural weapons. They present their shining image through Bollywood. They have made songs like Watan mera India dhrum mera India.
They do not project the stance of their government rather project their religion, secularism and cultural values although practically they are not secular.
Furthermore, they also strengthen their economy by using the currency of ‘culture’, for only an economically sound country can make independent foreign policy. So, this is how they present soft and shining image of India to the world.
In our country, majority of the viewers of electronic media are less educated about their values and about the importance knowing and owning their own culture. This is why, they are easily captivated by the Indian stuff. Apart from this, the Indian government has a good control on their cable operators while in our country PEMRA is not that effective.
For instance, in Pakistan, cable operators fearlessly play movies and programmes which are against Pakistan, Pakistan army and sometimes even anti-Islam.
JWT: Do you agree that the electronic media of Pakistan has gone impotent as far as solution to the problems of people is concerned?
DR NAZ: Absolutely right! The news channels air plethora of talk shows; on the other hand, the political parties have very peculiar individuals whom they send to represent the parties. These individuals are now well equipped with the skill to handle the farcically arrogant media. They expertly engage the anchors and entertain the heightened hopes of the viewers through juicy verbosity. But, the core of the problem remains unaddressed. The media is not becoming the voice of the people. Rather, it has turned to be the mouthpiece of the powerful of the country.
JWT: What is media hype? Do not you think that on the issue of ‘Malala’, our electronic media toed the American foreign policy line?
DR NAZ: When media highlights and exaggerates an issue in order to divert the attention of the people from some existing issue; this is called media hype. In fact, electronic media plays pivotal role in creating the media-hypes. Since the electronic media has a wider range of viewership than print and social media, it vigorously manufactures the hype and thereupon consent.
As far as the issue of Malala is concerned, yes, I would say that our electronic media presented it the way it never presents in routine. This hyper-activism exhibited by the media gives a clue that it conformed to the agenda chalked out somewhere else.
Amazingly, people did not pay anticipated heed to this issue.
JWT: So, when our media will get mature?
DR NAZ: No, it is impossible in the near future because there has been lot of investment in the electronic media from government, political parties and foreign investment too. Thus, naturally media is serving the interests of these investors even few anchor persons are also on the payroll of the foreign investors, NGOs, etc.
JWT: Do you think that truth is lost despite the excess of news channels?
DR NAZ: Yes, unfortunately, the truth is lost!
JWT: Recently, Supreme Court of Pakistan has passed an order for the civil servants that they should obey the constitution in all sorts of circumstances. Do you see any role of media in this context?
DR NAZ: We must accept that media is also a safeguard of the three pillars of state: legislature, executive and judiciary. And principally, media’s role should be balanced. Media should not cross the limits, come whatever may.
However, there is no doubt in the fact that the media of today has become an integral part of newly-emerged establishment of Pakistan. The new establishment comprises judiciary, military and media’ the new troika. In my opinion, the media should work as a reminder which keeps on reminding the state institutions of remaining within their domains. Above all, the media themselves should not cross the limits.
