The concept of journalism is a fascinating one. There is something remarkably powerful about bringing information to an audience that relies on you as their source of information. The idea that the narrative you share with them is going to help shape their worldviews is momentous.
Journalism has existed for centuries, but the twenty-first century has seen its evolution revolutionized by the advent of social media. Social media platforms have empowered ordinary individuals to have a voice, express opinions, and share stories with the world. People can now share information without dependence on traditional outlets, giving rise to independent journalists and digital news channels. Today, the public is no longer solely reliant on mainstream media for news. They have access to diverse information from around the globe, available at the touch of a screen.
Anyone with a device can share information directly on social media using platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. These apps were not even taken seriously by most until very recently. Now, no one can ignore the impact that these apps have generated in society and how they continue to change the lives of millions. It won’t be wrong to say that they have, in a way, redefined the views of the public on social and political issues.
However, this shift has its complexities. While the democratization of media has amplified voices, it has also enabled the rapid spread of false information. Fake news often goes as viral as the truth, complicating the public’s ability to discern facts. Despite this, one thing is certain: controlling the narrative is increasingly difficult in this era. Silencing dissent is no longer easy, and hidden truths eventually surface.
The Challenges of Journalism in Pakistan
In Pakistan, journalism was never easy. Exposing corruption, crimes, and the misdeeds of the country’s powerful elites—politicians, bureaucrats, army generals, and other influential figures—was nearly impossible under the heavy hand of censorship. Individuals and channels who show resistance pay a steep price.
A notable example is Arshad Sharif. His investigative report on ARY, “Wo Kon Tha,” and the documentary “Behind Closed Doors” exposed the mechanisms of money laundering by ruling elites in third-world countries. His work, particularly programs critical of the army’s political involvement, led to his assassination in Kenya in October 2022. ARY, the channel that aired his programs, also faced severe repercussions.
Similarly, journalists have repeatedly been arrested, or rather, abducted; their houses raided, property damaged, their programs taken off air, mentally and physically tortured, and, in some cases, even assassinated. According to Hamid Mir’s program, Capital Talk, nine journalists were assassinated in Pakistan in the year 2024 alone.
Journalist Imran Riaz Khan repeatedly went missing from his house for months. Similarly, journalists like Asad Toor and activists like Imaan Mazari, a lawyer by profession and daughter of Shireen Mazari, who actively shares updates on social issues—mainly on the issue of Baloch missing persons on her social media accounts—have been repeatedly arrested for exposing Pakistan’s establishment.
To counter this mass opposition by the people of the country, the state of Pakistan comes up with surprising ways. X, formerly Twitter, has been banned in Pakistan since March 2024. They shut down the internet whenever there are political calls, without paying much heed to the financial losses this incurs and the severe impact it has on the already suffering economy. Another popular state tactic to suppress the voices against them is terrorizing the masses by abducting ordinary citizens who are politically vocal.
It is also important to acknowledge that social media is not entirely reliable. Paid political campaigns are also run on social media, with influencers disseminating narratives to manipulate public perception.
Social media has undeniably redefined journalism. It has expanded the space for freedom of speech and made it impossible for the ruling elite to ignore the voice of the people. For the first time in history, every individual has the power to share their story, express opinions, and be heard. This unprecedented empowerment of the masses has the potential to change the course of history.