Welcome to the World of Journalism in Pakistan! April 6, 2010

Can you imagine being expected by the government to paint a bright, vibrant rainbow of its democratic growth when you have no brushes and only two pots of paint?

Welcome to the world of journalism in Pakistan! You will either be discovered finger-painting messy and chaotic pieces of work in order to please the government or trying hard to understand the core causes of confusion and anarchy in the country. You will be expected to come up with workable solutions to the never ending problems and suddenly end up behind the bars on wrong charges.

One of the many self-appointed Presidents of Pakistan publicly threatened two senior Pakistani journalists in front of several hundred Pakistani at a speech in New York on Sept 13, 2002. Earlier other journalists were threatened and even thrown out of the President’s public meetings, mainly during his promotion for the sham referendum. Many of these actions pass by without anyone making a note of them. In all such events, the journalist concerned happens to be a target of the enduring spate of democratically humiliating onslaught against the press in Pakistan.

Pakistani press is now becoming the victim and the government is suspicious of those journalists who portray the “wrong” side of government’s progressive and nation friendly policies of a “democratic” government.

These personal assaults on journalists are not restricted alone to the military dictatorship. R. S. Afridi is, even today, paying the price of messing with Nawaz Sharif. According to the Editor-in-Chief of the Jang Group, he was told by two higher-ranking officials to dismiss 16 journalists on Nawaz Sharif’s rolls. The Editor-in-Chief was strictly told that “nothing adverse should be written concerning their (the Sharif’s) loans, business, individual matters etc,”

The owners of The Friday Times, Najam Sethi and Jugnu Mohsin, have been reporting phone tapping and other stalking since ages now. It has time and again been pointed out that Pakistan is an Egypt in making. Our ex-Presidents have sealed the fate of Pakistan. Once a Journalist working for an English paper very cleverly pointed out, “we do [our work] with a hand tied behind our back,” and if you are unfortunately a victim “you are guilty until proven innocent.”

Print media is just the only source that is not as much under the civilian dictators’ influence as the electronic media is. The thought of taming the press is an important part of the supervision our ruling party leaders are getting. Each and every effort to suppress the press has a piece of the big mystery. Worst of all we do not even know our left toe from our right when it comes to understanding what’s happening around us. Exactly like the reports and views on Radio and TV, the government expects the journalists to craft and design deception, distortion and dishonesty in its favor.

Generally the dictators suppose that the sinister invasion of the truth everywhere would let loose bitterness and resentment rather than satisfaction. Any attempt on part of the media to inform the public is seen to be unleashing a sense of peril than power and control.

An elected regime condemns itself to death if the majority of the citizens who have to decide between various choices make their decision in ignorance of reality, blinded by craze or mislead by fleeting opinions created by the controlled journalists. Press would most certainly not like to be disloyal to its duty by becoming an ingredient of a deceitful game played out by the government for its endurance.

The media geared to this particular purpose inhabit a tiny niche in the massive gathering of solely profit-making or partisan press. The distinction between speaking reasonably and talking gibberish is very obvious. In the same way, printing phony information and not allowing a newspaper from printing certain information are also very obvious acts. For an elected government it is wise to accept the hurdles than to try to remedy the pro-opposition journalist problems by power.

Certainly, a number of the partisan reporters are a part of committing the malicious ill of disguising personal judgment as information. But the government does not need to victimize the entire press to collective penalty because its agenda of not letting a typical Pakistani comprehend the whole story behind all that glitters is being damaged.

By: Shiza Nisar

Competition is improving the Quality of Dramas April 5, 2010

With the onset of the new millennium came a relaxation in the PEMRA laws, as well as a more ‘enlightened’ government. All these new changes resulted in a lot of channels and a variety of Pakistani dramas for the viewers. Over the years, viewers had to ignore many shows because unfortunately a lot of Pakistani directors had taken to producing overly glamorous and unrealistic dramas. Recently however the tables have turned and now most viewers have to choose between two or more most-watch drama serials, which air at the same time on competing channels. Every Saturday for instance, I keep switching between GEO and HUM TV to find out the story of both ‘Meri Zaat Zare Benishan’ and ‘Vasl’. Both dramas have an extremely realistic storyline and a very moving performance by the casts.

With such strong competition directors are making a lot of effort to come up with new stories and good casts for a good production. Instead of making glamorous sets and spending a lot of budget on appearances, most directors are producing dramas closer to home and trying to depict details, dialogues and circumstances that the viewers can relate to.

Interestingly the two earlier mentioned dramas “Meri Zaat Zara Benishan’ and ‘Vasl’ both show a mix of lifestyles. In ‘Meri Zaat’ the drama shows the mindset of a conservative family, and then shows the resulting poor lifestyle of the heroine Saba. At the same time we observe the hero Arfeens’, who works in France, lifestyle. In Vasl the drama also shifts between New York and Karachi, showing an average middle class families outlook. Therefore, these dramas have come up with a nice mix of ideas, so that the resulting drama can cater to Pakistanis abroad as well as lower and middle class Pakistanis.

Other channels such as ARY and TV One are making a great effort to keep up with the strong competition of GEO and especially HUM TV. ARY has recently started a new drama serial ‘Diya Jale’ which has raised quite a bit of interest amongst viewers. It basically focuses on how a woman when reaches an age above 25 doesn’t get marriage proposals and later on she ends up marrying a heartless aged man- so father of two young children. It’s a theme that gives a woman the strength to fight back for her rights. The lesson that it gives is that there is a certain limit that a woman can bear a torture, beyond that she gives up. This drama is very well watched and appreciated among all the viewers, esp. women. It gives them hope that a woman should not be taken for granted.  All she demands is for a little care and affection. Even if there are marriage problems that a woman goes through, that certainly doesn’t mean that she keeps on compromising to save her marriage. It’s totally unfair to let her keep bearing the torture just for the sake of saving her marriage. She is a human being after all. She has a right to opt for a life which makes her happy, not the one that requires compromises and only compromises!..

Similarly TV One has aired a dram serial ‘Kharashai’ with a good cast including Fahad Mustafa. He is one of the most dashing good looking TV stars who is appreciated for his multi talented acting skills.

Author :Anum Saulat

Political Talk Shows: Are They Making or Breaking The country?

In the last 4-5 years, specifically in Pakistan, media has been through a lot of ups and downs in order to achieve complete freedom of speech, as it has always been under strict Govt restrictions from when Pakistan came into being. Recently during Musharraf’s regime a few restrictions were lifted off, but during the final 2 years of his regime the media came under direct attack by the dictator. The civil society, political forces and almost everyone joined hands with the media in its struggle for freedom. They went through physical and mental torture, and, eventually their efforts paid off. Therefore people hold great emotional attachment with the media. The general public tends to believe in whatever is said by the newscasters and anchor persons for that matter. The media literally puts words into listeners’ mouth.

    Political talk shows are the most watched TV shows in Pakistan. Their ratings are above any other kind of entertainment shows on the television right now. It has become a form of entertainment. Pakistani political scene changes every day, so we are left with some hot topic to be discussed all the time. Therefore talk shows everyday have a lot to discuss. The anchor persons these days have claimed to become public spokesperson. Some of them are doing a very good job but some take full advantage of such situation in creating negativity in the minds of people. Anchor persons and some investigative journalists instead of being analytical, which is their job as a journalist, start giving strong views against or in favor of someone or something, and make sure that everyone believes in whatever they say. These are one of the non-state actors that our govt reminds us about every other day. Some of the talk shows namely “CAPITAL TALK “hosted by Mr.Hamid Mir and “ KAL TAK WITH JAVED CHOUDHARY “ by Mr.Javed Choudhary are thought to be anti- government talk shows. It is said that such talk shows and their hosts are paid by anti-government organization and sometimes even by the some opposing political forces.

    In the end I would like to conclude that today media in Pakistan has come though a long way, and has emerged as a powerful medium for the youth of Pakistan, to express themselves.  However with this mode of power a great degree of responsibility is also attached. The anchor persons should use this power fairly. Rather than imposing their views as final verdicts, they should just create awareness among the general public and let the common man decide on the concerned matter itself.

Author : Ayesha Jamil

The shortcomings of FM channels in Pakistan April 2, 2010

The effectiveness of radio should never be neglected in any society. In fact it’s the first ever device used for entertainment. Despite all the technology growth and the invention of satellite television channels, radio is still considered one of the most effective tools of communication. Radio listeners are increasing, ranging from children to housewives to men at work.

Radio in an integral part of everyone’s lives these days. It creates awareness, provides information and above all, in a way educates the nation! Of course, radio is an entertainment device however lack of focus on certain important issues is affecting its image adversely.

The first of such an issue to be raised is that at times its hurtful to see RJs keep on talking about love for Pakistan and our need to prove ourselves as a nation and more importantly as a Muslim where at the same time have Indian music being played in the background contradicting their statements than and there.

The second significant issue is that of “Azaan” on FM channels. It is extremely demeaning to see the sudden sound of Allah-o-Akbar in between a song and as soon as the duaa ends, the song continues.  

Thirdly, a lot of listeners have come to complain about the low quality of program after midnight not realizing that is also one of the prime times for a nation like ours.

And lastly, the same argument that has been in discussion since the beginning of 1990s and still is. The issue of allowing Indian music and hence, discouraging our own talent, artists and industry.

It will not be wrong to say that despite all the competition, the number of good FM channels in Pakistan is still limited to 1 or 2. Most of FM stations are without any vision. The need of good radio programmers or educated Disk Jockeys is still not the priority of any station. The bottom line for all stations is to make money which leads to ugly and unbearable radio commercials, very less information and awareness to the listener.

Author: Huma Zia

The Downfall of PTV

A few years back, I read, ‘In Pakistan, each politician goes to bed at night with the dream that he would wake up next morning as the Prime Minister.’

Today I found a uniquely similar quote, ‘Had each drama director in Pakistan gone to bed at night with the dream that he would wake up next morning as the Chairman of the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) our media would’ve been better off.’

Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) is Pakistan’s national television broadcaster.  PTV began its live transmission on November 26, 1964, in Lahore. Today, family of PTV includes six channels. In contrast to any other state-run corporations, PTV was allowed by the Government of Pakistan to raise an ample size of private capital to finance the stations.

The channel has a history of producing unique and exciting dramas. Inspiring playwrights and bold performances and practically no competition made PTV an essential ingredient in our lives. But now unfortunately, our generation had to eyewitness the downfall of television plays in late ‘90s, the mushrooming of private channels and finally the invasion of numerous other shows. Due to lack of budget private channels were sold the new and fresh dramas. These private channels sucked all the television industry which PTV had solely built. The careers of all these famous directors, producers, actors etc had been nurtured by this channel. But alas! As it is, money goes where money is.  Today PTV has a very small viewership due to the increased cable availability and transmission. 

However, there were exceptional, periodic displays of brilliance as the sun was setting on PTV’s golden era. Family Front’s Sumbal, Nusrat and Bobby;  Alpha Bravo Charlie’s Faraz, Kashif and Gulsher; Samsung VJ’s Faisal Qureshi, Jawad Bashir, Ahsan Rahim, Amna Khan and Ahmad Ibrahim; Teen Bata Teen’s Lucy, Johnny and Shaffu became cult icons by becoming really off-beat.

Sadly now not only I want to repeat the above quotes over the years but Pakistan’s 60 years history is also an eyewitness that these two classes of Pakistan (Politicians & Directors) have proved that these quotes are right. Just like the nation badly needs a good leader, it also needs hand-holding in the field of Media to avoid the wide spread depression other private channels are causing. The nation needs a break.

By: Shiza Nisar

Revival of Pakistani Dramaz March 22, 2010

Pakistani media in the past history has played a major role in producing many unforgettable Pakistani dramas that inspired generations. Pakistan television started the trend of making classic dramas with the help of intellectual writers, powerful direction, and multitalented actors.

       In the very early days of 90’s, there was only one tv channel known as Pakistan television(ptv) that telecasted many popular dramas like ‘dhoop kinaray’, ‘ankahi’, ‘tanhayan’, ‘dhuan’, . The whole idea was to show a well prepared family drama with a strong script and a clean environment. All the credit undoubtedly goes to the brilliant story writers like Haseena Moen, Seema Ghazal, Ashfak Ahmad etc. Their stories focused on many societal issues that touched the hearts of many people. This was the glorious period of Pakistani dramas which led them to accomplish many awards not only at national but also at international level.

     There was a time starting from 2001, when Indian dramas showed on the channel ‘star plus’ became immensely popular. Not only the females but even kids started getting addicted to them. But now Pakistani dramas once again have reached the peaks of fame. Talking about Indian dramas, the only reason they became so popular was because all they showed was glamour, family politics, and endless episodes. These affected their lives so much that their living styles became Indian. Moreover, they had corrupted our society. Their stories and direction was totally unrealistic. These dramas were only about industrialists, elite class and landlords that made young girls materialistic. They were far from reality with funny cosmetic faces of the stars. After 2003, our dramas started copying the star plus culture that led to a downfall in Pakistani dramas. They badly lost their originality.

    Soon, these drama makers realized that these only corrupted our culture and should be free form all kinds of Indian elements and started making old way of drama making with limited episodes and powerful story line. Now, many writers have started writing many powerful stories for different tv channels like geo, hum tv, ptv, ary digital. Every channel is now struggling hard to provide the audience with the best dramas ever. This competition has provoked them to make good serials which include our own culture. Because of this sudden revival of Pakistani dramas, the audience is our dramas very much. The best thing is that they are well appreciated by the Pakistani people living abroad as well. 

      These days the dramas that have gained popularity are ‘meri zaat zarraye be-nishan’ on geo and , ‘nur pur ki rani’ ‘malaal’ ‘wasal’ ‘nur bano’ on hum tv. These are realistic with powerful direction and script. They focus on societal issues that actually take place in the society. Moreover, dramas like ‘wasal’, ‘ishk junoon deewangi’ ‘doraha’ and ‘malaal’ focus on the problems that are faced in a marriage like misunderstandings, extra maritial affairs, lack of trust. These problems do prevail these days. The reason why number of growing divorces has increased is well portrayed in these dramas. People should be well aware of the bitter realities that exist in our society. For example drama ‘ishk junoon diwangi’ is a story about passion and revolves around a happily married couple that finds their entire life changed with the entry of another woman. The husband is a famous director who casts this woman in his film and gets immensely attracted by her considering the fact that he is already married. He gets so obsessed with her that things reach a point when he fails to save his marriage. The point of this story is to show the audience how an obsession makes a man lose his grip and can change his entire life in a second.

    Another very popular drama that was highly appreciated was ‘ doraha’ directed by the very versatile director Mehreen jabber who showed that the difference in income class levels between the married couple led to a failure in marriage despite the fact that it was a love marriage. It showed marriage is a very sensitive issue and needs to be dealt carefully where a lot of adjustments, compromises, and understanding is needed by both the parties even in a loved marriage.

   The emergence of intelligent writers and powerful directors has managed to revive the Pakistani dramas. In short Pakistani media has changed by providing the audience with the dramas they want to see. Gone are the days when star plus was a huge hit. Paki dramas are now well produced and give a good message. The increasing competition among different tv channels has improved the quality of Pakistani dramas due to which the audience gets entertained and gets to watch the best dramas ever!. We should stop watching Indian channels and try promoting our own dramas. Watch Pakistani, listen Pakistani, and speak Pakistan

Author : Anum Saulat

Music Scene in Pakistan

Unlike the rest of the entertainment scenario in Pakistan, music channels are actually attracting new audiences day by day. Today, because of these music channels, local bands and singers like Atif, Jal, Noori and Junoon are more popular than any foreign band or singer. The concerts of these artists and bands are well attended and their albums generate good revenues well because their videos are shown on local music channels. The loyal viewers of these channels are helping pop musicians win the war and push out western and especially the Indian music.

The music industry has come a long way in a very short span of time. Today, it is a complete industry with local music channels dedicated to bringing forward Pakistani talent and the channels’ websites helping expose several local bands and artists doing various genres of music from rock to classical. An example of such an activity is the “Sangeet Icon” and “Coke Studio”.

These days, the most requested videos on several Indian channels are those of Pakistani artists e.g. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Atif Aslam, Jal. This is a great sign, which shows that the country’s music channels are all doing well internationally too.

These channels have promoted pop music so well that channels like HUM TV and Geo TV now air Pakistani artists’ music videos during prime time viewing. This clearly shows a change in the trend of viewing, which has now shifted from dramas and sitcoms to music videos.

Today local music channels stand out among all the private Pakistanichannels. With witty and educated presenters and colorful sets, Indus Music and The Musik are fun to watch. One can proudly say that Pakistani music channels like IM and The Musik can now match foreign music channels.

In fact, the obvious lack of an independent music scene across the border has opened up endless possibilities for Pakistani artists. Nearly all Pakistan’s major artists have engaged in joint collaborations with India, and toured and signed record deals. In the last year alone, in fact, there were more musical collaborations with artists and organizations in India than ever before in history, starting with Ali Azmat’s ‘Garaj Baras,’ for Pooja Bhatt’s movie, Paap.

Author: Huma Zia

Geo draws criticism!

Geo TV, a subsidiary of the Jang group of newspapers, is an Urdu Pakistani television network which was established in May 2002. In Urdu the word “geo” means to “live on”. Geo was the 1^st private local channel of Pakistan thus developed a huge viewership instantaneously. Even now a staggering number of people rate it as the most credible news channel of the country.  However, Geo TV has been criticized by the Pakistani government as well as the masses who believe the channel promotes sensationalism in order to increase its returns and gain popularity. Moreover, the channel is seen as a major reporter of negative news regarding Pakistan, causing general depression and pessimistic viewership experience. Pakistani government criticized the channel’s coverage of the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir, as GEO’s coverage of the tragedy included disturbing scenes of victims and disaster zones.

A noteworthy target of criticism for the channel is Dr. Shahid Masood, whose anti-government point of views are seen as extreme and ignorant of positive advances the government has ever made. Masood and the GEO News program were the reasons cited when the government banned the transmission of the channel during the Emergency of 2007.

Hamid Mir, anchor person of one of the most popular GEO political talk show Capital Talk, confirmed in an interview with the CBC his strong political views. It further raised doubts and questions in the eyes of the masses regarding Mir’s ability to present fair and balanced news matters. Still he is well liked by the viewers for his straight forward questioning.

During the temporary ban of the channel, GEO launched a web page, Support GEO, for viewers to write messages of support, which would further be approved for public viewing. Negative comments about the channel’s practices, or justification of its removal from Pakistani television, were not accepted and were constantly rejected. Given the channel’s claims of mastering democracy, GEO’s denial to recognize its own criticism was seen as hypocritical. A blog, by the name of Musharraf Supporters, was started in response to adjust those whose opinions were rejected on GEO’s website and wanted their criticism to be published.

Keeping the above points in view comes the opinion that Geo has become a tool of anti-Pakistan elements, the government at times going as far as claiming that its top notch anchors and journalists have sold themselves to foreign spy agencies. This view is shared by a large number of the educated class as well but sadly, the literacy rate being less then 60%, we in Pakistan cannot boast of having a large well educated segment in our populace, hence Geo and its alleged propaganda machine enjoy much fan following in the masses.

Author :Shiza Nisar

The Increasing Trend of Talk Shows in Pakistan

With the changing trend in media Pakistan has experienced an increasing trend of talk shows in Pakistan. These programs, inexpensive to produce and widely imitated around the world, tend to elevate personal opinion and private experience over authoritative facts relevant to Pakistan’s public life. Basically these talk shows can be divided into the following broad categories: tabloid shows, late night shows, daytime talk show (morning shows) and political talk shows.

These talk shows have opened up the media to more diverse views and voices, imparting a sense of democratic legitimacy and have overcame geography, creating virtual communities by connecting the like-minded. It has all started during the Musharaf regime, following the episodes like attack on Lal Masjid and the chief justice issue.

The political talk shows have provided new avenues for swaying public opinion and winning vote and have promoted opinion over detached observation. In the past the Pakistani citizens talking about national issues on the television was considered an impossible task. But now the general public can participate through live calls in the talk shows. This has provided the common man, a sense of importance and as well as freedom of speech. Journalists like Hamid Mir, Kashif Abbasi and Dr. Shahid Masood have become national heroes.

The morning talk shows are more popular in the females. These shows focus on a variety of segments from daily exercise to medical specialists, celebrity interviews to charity programs, movie reviews to discussion on social issues facing Pakistan. The morning shows have played a great role in moulding the personality of Pakistani women and has broadened their thinking horizons.  The most popular are Nadia khan morning show on Geo TV and Good morning Pakistan on ARY Digital hosted by Dr.Shaista.

The tabloid talk shows emphasize drama and entertainment over verified information. These are Oprah winfrey type of shows. The host invites a collection of guests to talk about an emotional or provocative topic, such as divorce or extra marital affairs. One very popular show is “Machis” showed on Hum TV.

There is also an array of late night talk shows. Late night television talk shows often follow the same format which includes: a standup comedy segment, called the monologue, where the host makes jokes about current events, several skits or other comedy bits and then interviews of famous celebrities. One of the most famous late night show is Begum Nawazish Ali talk show. Apart from that these days the “Sharif Show” hosted by Omer Sharif is also very popular.

Author : Ayesha Jamil