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Pakistan

Of ringmasters and circuses

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Pakistani political philosophy has been reduced to just televisions and newspapers. Technological advances in communication have ended political discourse from streets, neighborhoods and arenas to arguments on television shows and statements printed in newspapers.

Malik Asim Dogar Profile Malik Asim Dogar

The ubiquitous cell phones in our hands have brought breaking news, latest developments and statements to us in less time that we could have ever imagined.

In the fifteen years I have been associated with the news industry, I have watched times change, studied their effects and reviewed what I have learned. In the olden days, when the 9 o’clock news bulletin on PTV ended television time for the day, curbsides, drawing rooms, baithaks and deras came alive as political discussions extended long into the night. The discourse stemmed from personal experiences, anecdotal evidences and private studies. There was individuality; analysis was tinged with the hue of ethnic identity and cultural characteristics. An unwritten rule was respect for opposing views and differences of opinions.

All that changed when General (retd) Pervez Musharraf took over the country and gave permits to private television channels. A new phenomenon was introduced, i.e. the race for breaking news. From 8:00 pm till 10:00 pm, talk shows reigned supreme.

Our process of watching, analyzing and understanding news was changed completely. Lightning fast breaking news, analysis and reviews robbed us of our ability to think for ourselves. The ordinary man’s understanding of the system that governed his life went through a metamorphosis. How did this happen? Let us review.

Political reporting, which takes up a major chunk of news, requires a deep understanding of the topic and as complete information as can be provided. Once the news is out, follow ups require research, time and effort. But now, the basis of evaluating news channels is how fast they brought the news to the audience, how quickly they beat their competitors, how far ahead they are of their peers. Comprehensive and correct information is no longer the benchmark for analyzing content. Switch on any channel and asses how most of them present the occurrence of a development as complete news, not the facts, policies and ideas that are linked to it. Here too, sensationalism takes precedence over all else. Another factor are our political talk shows, presented mostly be people who have no experience of field reporting yet are called senior journalists. They take up pre-established positions and ignore real journalism.

This divide is now quite prominent. People switch on television only to watch the show that broadcasts views that their own preferences align with. Bereft of their own opinions, viewers have stopped discussing politics within their circles. The end result is low tolerance for opposing viewpoints and promotion of self-interest. A good talk show now is one where there is plenty of emotional argument, where matters escalate from disagreement to ferocious anger or even physical blows. On such nights, both the anchors and the producers of the shows expect high ratings.

And so, media now constitutes itself basically not on news but on presenting a riot for its viewers. The media is now a major player of this capitalistic system. Questions that must be asked are being ignored for the sake of remaining a power player. As for the anchors whose faces we see plastered on billboards and whose slick promos present alternate realities, well, their own lifestyles now have removed them very far from the life of an ordinary citizen. If you do not believe me, watch the circus. You’ll spot the ringmasters easily enough.

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Entertainment

Honey Singh bonds with Pakistani Artist Faris Shafi

The Indian rapper takes to Instagram to share the moments of the company with Pakistani artist, saying that “Welcome my brother from LAHORE the hip-hop Icon one and only @farishafi,”.

Published by Hussnain Bhutta

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Mumbai: The recent friendly interaction between Indian rapper Honey Singh and Pakistani artist Faris Shafi has sparked excitement among fans on both sides of the border.

Taking to Instagram,  Honey Singh shared a glimpse of their meeting at a recording studio, capturing the essence of their friendship with a supportive comment.

He wrote, “Welcome my brother from LAHORE the hip-hop Icon one and only @farishafi,”

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yo Yo Honey Singh (@yoyohoneysingh)

Honey Singh had previously praised Faris in an interview, hailing him as an exceptional artist.

In the snapshot, Honey Singh is dressed in all-black attire while Faris sports a stylish grey kurta and pants ensemble.

 

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Regional

Court reserves verdict on discharge pleas of Hassan, Hussain Nawaz

However, judge Nasir Javed Rana will be pronounced verdict today (Tuesday) at 2pm.

Published by Qurrat Tul Ain

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Islamabad: The court has reserved verdict on the discharge pleas of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) supremo Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s sons Hassan and Hussain Nawaz’s three references including Avenfield, Al-Azizia mills and flagship. 

According to the details, judge Nasir Javed Rana heard the discharge pleas in the references of National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Hassan and Hussain Nawaz’s lawyers Qazi Misbah-ul-Haq and pleader Rana Muhammad Irfan appeared in the court. 

Court inquired that the report was to come on the plea of ​​acquittal. 

Deputy prosecutor NAB Azhar Maqbool replied that the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) is not an obstacle in this case yet the court can give verdict in this case.

The court asked to Azhar Maqbool that the court will record your statement.

Deputy Prosecutor NAB said that the court can record his statement and this case is not related to NAB amendments. In this case Islamabad High Court (IHC) has already decided the extent of Nawaz Sharif his daughter chief minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz and his son-in-law captain Safdar.

Azhar Maqbool added that he did not file an appeal against the acquittal of Maryam Nawaz. Hasan and Hussain Nawaz are accused of conspiracy and abetting yet the main accused in the cases of Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz have been acquitted.

However, judge Nasir Javed Rana reserved the verdict after listening to deputy prosecutor NAB Azhar Maqbool and the verdict will be pronounced today (Tuesday) at 2pm.

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Regional

NAB asks time from court to submit report in Toshakhana case 

On which court summoned the report and postponed the case till April 17. 

Published by Qurrat Tul Ain

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Islamabad: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has asked time from accountability court Islamabad to submit report in Toshakhana cars case.

According to the details, judge Nasir Javed Rana heard the case against president Asif Ali Zardari, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Peoples party’s (PPP) co-chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani and others. NAB prosecutor Azhar Maqbool Shah appeared in the court.

During the hearing, Azhar Maqbool stated that Nawaz Sharif had applied for a comprehensive investigation and he was investigated. 

He asked that now the investigation officer is not available then he will submit a report in the light of investigation whether the case can be prosecuted or not.

NAB prosecutor pleaded that give him some time till the next hearing so he will submit a report. 

On which court summoned the report and postponed the case till April 17. 

It should be noted that according to the reference filed by the NAB in which Yusuf Raza Gilani, Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif is accused of illegally allotting vehicles.

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