Digital Exploitation and Government Narratives
Digital Exploitation and Government Narratives: In the midst of political changes, new ministers, and the aftermath of Trump’s thank-you speech, apologies came quietly, catching everyone off guard. The apologies were unexpected, although there had been growing pressure and stricter guidelines recently.
These apologies were related to two talk shows. In one case, the host apologized for remarks made by guests, and in the other, the apology was for the commentary by the talk show host. These apologies were for opinions, not facts.
Opinion vs. Censorship
In Pakistan, the government has been criticizing “fake news,” claiming that misinformation spread through social media is causing unrest. If the problem was fake facts, why then were apologies needed for opinions? If even opinions are now seen as unacceptable, it raises concerns about freedom of expression. Opinions have always been a part of Pakistan’s media landscape, even during difficult times like martial law. Yet, today, it seems even opinions are becoming too controversial for the authorities.
This tension raises the question: if the political system in Pakistan is so powerful and stable, why does it feel the need to censor even mild opinions? The judiciary is under control, the opposition is divided, and international relations are improving. So, why is there such fear of dissenting voices?
One reason for this nervousness could be the lack of a clear government narrative, or “bayaania.” When the government fails to provide a strong, convincing narrative, it feels threatened by skepticism or criticism. However, this failure lies more with the government than the journalists or talk show hosts. The state’s actions, including censorship and biased reporting, have damaged the media’s credibility. Many people no longer trust mainstream media, and this further undermines the credibility of the government-appointed individuals on TV screens.
Moreover, many of these figures appear to be mere messengers, delivering one-sided viewpoints, making it hard for people to trust them. This has contributed to the media’s credibility crisis. Without trust, people are less likely to believe the government’s portrayal of reality.
Reality vs. Narrative
The inability to convince people with favorable stories, like claims of defeating inflation or portraying the government as democratic while suppressing protests, highlights the disconnect between the media narrative and the real experiences of citizens. The public cannot ignore the harsh reality they live in, where ordinary citizens face police violence and raids.
The constant pressure on the media reminds one of an old Hindi film scene where a man tries to cover his bruises with a bandage, knowing it won’t fix the problem. Similarly, no amount of controlled media or apologies can mask the truth of people’s everyday lives.
Published in Dawn, 12th March 2025
