JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 20, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD - Lamenting the increase in unregulated use of social media in Pakistan, journalist and columnist Salim Safi Tuesday said nobody was safe from the culture of unabated vilification, fearing it could lead to disaster anytime.
Though Safi’s column in Jang Kuch tazkara apnay jariam ka is on the media’s obliviousness to Pakistan’s foreign policy challenges, it says today there is no difference between news and analysis.
“At the same news and entertainment have been mixed as the showbiz personalities have become muftis while religious scholars are becoming entertainment stars. Another disturbing trend is that a person is politician on one show, analyst on another and host on yet another.”
That is why, Safi says, people are becoming more misinformed than informed and confused than being educated.
However, he vented anger against social media. “There is no regulation regarding social media.”
He also talked about a recent Dawn investigative report that highlighted banned militant groups operating on Facebook.
“The culture of abuse is common on social media, and there is no fear of any reprisal.” Safi also bemoaned the practice of setting up fake accounts. “Another worrying trend is writing something and posting it with your picture on WhatsApp. By the time you give clarification, it has already reached millions of people.”
Though generally Saif is critical of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, he complains that nowadays messages with his picture and some abusive language against PTI chief is distributed. “Now where and how many times should I clarify?”
He laments that now the intelligence agencies have started using social media for such purposes. He added that the ruling party has a social media wing, though he says a social media wing was first established by PTI and also blames them for unsavory practices.
“Now all political parties have social media wings and fake accounts are being created. Keeping in view the coming general elections in 2018, the top leader of PML-N and PTI are strengthening their social media wings outside Pakistan.”
Safi added that he is all for freedom of expression but the way social media is being used in Pakistan could “lead to a disaster.”
Image: Twitter (@SaleemKhanSafi)
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.
April 03, 2025: Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.
April 02, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.
March 30, 2025: Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.
March 28, 2025 Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.