Pakistan, democracy and the demise of the independent press

[Laozi]

Pakistan, democracy and the demise of the independent press – EURACTIV.com

Pakistan’s new military-supported government is targeting independent media and poses a grave threat to the country’s democracy, writes Shada Islam.

Shada Islam is the director of Europe and geopolitics at Friends of Europe.

The truth is I was expecting the letter. And it came on 8 November while I was in Rome, thinking about what to write for my weekly column in Dawn, Pakistan’s leading independent newspaper.

Dawn’s editor Zaffar Abbas wrote to say that he was sorry. The newspaper was in trouble. “The unannounced state policy of the last over two years to put a squeeze on the paper was already having its toll, and now several other factors have added to its financial problems”.

And as a result, there was no room for my weekly column from Europe anymore. He hopes it’s a temporary snag. But I fear it isn’t.

Dawn is in the firing line of Pakistan’s military and the current army-sponsored populist government of Imran Khan. The newspaper is too independent, too daring, not ready to bow and scrape, to lie and pander. My colleague Cyril Almeida is being tried for treason. Other journalists are also being muzzled.

I’ve been writing for the paper for at least 25 years and enjoyed every minute. It has never been my main job. I’ve worked for the Far Eastern Economic Review and now as Director for Europe and Geopolitics for Friends of Europe, one of Europe’s leading think tanks.

Writing for Dawn, however, kept me linked to my country of birth. The editor said I had a “loyal following” of readers who wanted to hear an insider/outsider’s view of global politics, Europe, America, China and Pakistan.

I loved it – and put my heart and soul into every weekly column I wrote which, like clockwork, appeared every Saturday.

But I knew the hammer was ready to fall.

An article I had written just before the July elections in Pakistan had – for the first time – been axed because it was considered too tough on the role of the military. Other pieces since then have been vetted to make sure there was no offensive content. Truth be told, it was becoming extremely annoying.

Ironically, my last article in Dawn, published last week, was about the global war on free speech. I said the outrage over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi should be channelled to stop the decline of the independent press worldwide.

I underlined that journalism in Asia was most at risk – and said the European Union should make the mistreatment of independent journalists a major part of its global campaign for human rights.

The attacks on Dawn are a sad – nay tragic – sign of the slow death of Pakistan’s democracy. Democracy is in decline in many parts of the world. The tragedy of Pakistan, however, is that it’s no longer the army or the “civilian government” led by Imran Khan which is in charge. Religious extremists are holding the country hostage.

For proof look no further than the so-called blasphemy case against Asia Bibi and, earlier, the decision to cancel the appointment of a renowned economist Atif Rehman Mian as an adviser to the government because he belongs to Pakistan’s Ahmediya minority.

Seventy-one years after independence, Pakistan’s path to democracy has been a roller-coaster ride. Thrills one minute, despondence and tragedy the next. Heroes morphed into villains – and bad guys were reborn as heroes.

International media continues to report – on and off – on the clamp down on the media, the soap-operatic conduct of leading politicians and the rise of intolerant, extremist voices.

The picture is of a complicated country which is part problematic troublemaker, part an enigma, with a state within a state, fragile and polarised, uncertain of its loyalties.

There is little doubt that through the years, Pakistan’s toxic military-intelligence has stood centre stage, manipulating politicians, pulling the strings, making key decisions, taking sides and clamping down on press freedom.

But despite the turmoil and military meddling, Pakistan had persevered on its democratic trajectory. Democracy in Pakistan was messy and flawed but many believed it was also ultimately resilient.

Dictators came and went. Military coups were followed by civilians in power – and the other way around. In between, there was heady talk of transparency and accountability, combating corruption, building a new and stronger economy.

Pakistani politicians were often more than willing to collude and connive with anti-democratic forces.

But through the turmoil and turbulence, thanks to the resilience and democratic aspirations of the people of Pakistan, a strong media, civil society representatives and human rights defenders. democracy doggedly ploughed on.

But times have changed. Dramatically. Imran Khan’s election has confirmed and reinforced the role of an ever more intrusive military and, even more dangerously, it has unleashed the demons of religious extremism.

Sustained democracy in the 21st century hinges on strong institutions and good governance. Strong democracies require an honest and credible press, an active and committed civil society, robust municipal and city authorities and the active political participation of women, young people end ethnic minorities.

Pakistan’s current “rulers” are – one by one – crushing all the building blocks of democracy. I fear that this time, there may be no going back



https://www.euractiv.com/section/fr...racy-and-the-demise-of-the-independent-press/

 

[war&peace]

The press that runs off the handouts from the govt cannot be called independent. It is time to ditch the yellow-journalism and the media needs to adopt to the modern times and produce something that is as per sentiments of the nation and factual.

 

[WaLeEdK2]

The press relies heavily on the government. What part of this shit is free? Their entire business model was designed so that PMLN could give them money so anchors could ride around Islamabad in their Rolls Royce and Land Cruiser.

 

[Imad.Khan]

What a load of BS. Imran Khan won after 22 years of struggle and because us common Pakistanis voted for him. Even before the elections where ever you go people were saying that its his time. Every survey conducted was also showing victory for him.
It seems like all these anti state actors have their arses on fire because IK stopped spending on propaganda ads which the previous govt was doing.
The media are privately owned companies. They shouldn't just rely on govt money to survive.

 

[FalconStar]

Dawn, Pakistan’s leading independent newspaper.

No need to read further than this.

 

[Verve]

Pakistan, democracy and the demise of the independent press – EURACTIV.com

Pakistan’s new military-supported government is targeting independent media and poses a grave threat to the country’s democracy, writes Shada Islam.

Shada Islam is the director of Europe and geopolitics at Friends of Europe.

The truth is I was expecting the letter. And it came on 8 November while I was in Rome, thinking about what to write for my weekly column in Dawn, Pakistan’s leading independent newspaper.

Dawn’s editor Zaffar Abbas wrote to say that he was sorry. The newspaper was in trouble. “The unannounced state policy of the last over two years to put a squeeze on the paper was already having its toll, and now several other factors have added to its financial problems”.

And as a result, there was no room for my weekly column from Europe anymore. He hopes it’s a temporary snag. But I fear it isn’t.

Dawn is in the firing line of Pakistan’s military and the current army-sponsored populist government of Imran Khan. The newspaper is too independent, too daring, not ready to bow and scrape, to lie and pander. My colleague Cyril Almeida is being tried for treason. Other journalists are also being muzzled.

I’ve been writing for the paper for at least 25 years and enjoyed every minute. It has never been my main job. I’ve worked for the Far Eastern Economic Review and now as Director for Europe and Geopolitics for Friends of Europe, one of Europe’s leading think tanks.

Writing for Dawn, however, kept me linked to my country of birth. The editor said I had a “loyal following” of readers who wanted to hear an insider/outsider’s view of global politics, Europe, America, China and Pakistan.

I loved it – and put my heart and soul into every weekly column I wrote which, like clockwork, appeared every Saturday.

But I knew the hammer was ready to fall.

An article I had written just before the July elections in Pakistan had – for the first time – been axed because it was considered too tough on the role of the military. Other pieces since then have been vetted to make sure there was no offensive content. Truth be told, it was becoming extremely annoying.

Ironically, my last article in Dawn, published last week, was about the global war on free speech. I said the outrage over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi should be channelled to stop the decline of the independent press worldwide.

I underlined that journalism in Asia was most at risk – and said the European Union should make the mistreatment of independent journalists a major part of its global campaign for human rights.

The attacks on Dawn are a sad – nay tragic – sign of the slow death of Pakistan’s democracy. Democracy is in decline in many parts of the world. The tragedy of Pakistan, however, is that it’s no longer the army or the “civilian government” led by Imran Khan which is in charge. Religious extremists are holding the country hostage.

For proof look no further than the so-called blasphemy case against Asia Bibi and, earlier, the decision to cancel the appointment of a renowned economist Atif Rehman Mian as an adviser to the government because he belongs to Pakistan’s Ahmediya minority.

Seventy-one years after independence, Pakistan’s path to democracy has been a roller-coaster ride. Thrills one minute, despondence and tragedy the next. Heroes morphed into villains – and bad guys were reborn as heroes.

International media continues to report – on and off – on the clamp down on the media, the soap-operatic conduct of leading politicians and the rise of intolerant, extremist voices.

The picture is of a complicated country which is part problematic troublemaker, part an enigma, with a state within a state, fragile and polarised, uncertain of its loyalties.

There is little doubt that through the years, Pakistan’s toxic military-intelligence has stood centre stage, manipulating politicians, pulling the strings, making key decisions, taking sides and clamping down on press freedom.

But despite the turmoil and military meddling, Pakistan had persevered on its democratic trajectory. Democracy in Pakistan was messy and flawed but many believed it was also ultimately resilient.

Dictators came and went. Military coups were followed by civilians in power – and the other way around. In between, there was heady talk of transparency and accountability, combating corruption, building a new and stronger economy.

Pakistani politicians were often more than willing to collude and connive with anti-democratic forces.

But through the turmoil and turbulence, thanks to the resilience and democratic aspirations of the people of Pakistan, a strong media, civil society representatives and human rights defenders. democracy doggedly ploughed on.

But times have changed. Dramatically. Imran Khan’s election has confirmed and reinforced the role of an ever more intrusive military and, even more dangerously, it has unleashed the demons of religious extremism.

Sustained democracy in the 21st century hinges on strong institutions and good governance. Strong democracies require an honest and credible press, an active and committed civil society, robust municipal and city authorities and the active political participation of women, young people end ethnic minorities.

Pakistan’s current “rulers” are – one by one – crushing all the building blocks of democracy. I fear that this time, there may be no going back



https://www.euractiv.com/section/fr...racy-and-the-demise-of-the-independent-press/

Here's another concerned Hindu

The bosses of Dawn and other media houses are rich and still making money. These 3rd rate journalists should complain about their bosses for firing them, instead of PTI gov which merely stopped funding these private media houses.

What a load of BS. Imran Khan won after 22 years of struggle and because us common Pakistanis voted for him. Even before the elections where ever you go people were saying that its his time. Every survey conducted was also showing victory for him.
It seems like all these anti state actors have their arses on fire because IK stopped spending on propaganda ads which the previous govt was doing.
The media are privately owned companies. They shouldn't just rely on govt money to survive.

Ironic isn't it that so many journalists fired for losses to media houses in just 70 days of PTI gov.

It seems these media houses were ONLY running on gov funding that 70 days without it was too much to bear. Oh wait, add 90 days of caretaker gov too.

 

[MBT 3000]

bullcrap

 

[Kompromat]

She's all tears because DAWN stopped paying her after 25 years, poor ol gal

Pakistan, democracy and the demise of the independent press – EURACTIV.com

Pakistan’s new military-supported government is targeting independent media and poses a grave threat to the country’s democracy, writes Shada Islam.

Shada Islam is the director of Europe and geopolitics at Friends of Europe.

The truth is I was expecting the letter. And it came on 8 November while I was in Rome, thinking about what to write for my weekly column in Dawn, Pakistan’s leading independent newspaper.

Dawn’s editor Zaffar Abbas wrote to say that he was sorry. The newspaper was in trouble. “The unannounced state policy of the last over two years to put a squeeze on the paper was already having its toll, and now several other factors have added to its financial problems”.

And as a result, there was no room for my weekly column from Europe anymore. He hopes it’s a temporary snag. But I fear it isn’t.

Dawn is in the firing line of Pakistan’s military and the current army-sponsored populist government of Imran Khan. The newspaper is too independent, too daring, not ready to bow and scrape, to lie and pander. My colleague Cyril Almeida is being tried for treason. Other journalists are also being muzzled.

I’ve been writing for the paper for at least 25 years and enjoyed every minute. It has never been my main job. I’ve worked for the Far Eastern Economic Review and now as Director for Europe and Geopolitics for Friends of Europe, one of Europe’s leading think tanks.

Writing for Dawn, however, kept me linked to my country of birth. The editor said I had a “loyal following” of readers who wanted to hear an insider/outsider’s view of global politics, Europe, America, China and Pakistan.

I loved it – and put my heart and soul into every weekly column I wrote which, like clockwork, appeared every Saturday.

But I knew the hammer was ready to fall.

An article I had written just before the July elections in Pakistan had – for the first time – been axed because it was considered too tough on the role of the military. Other pieces since then have been vetted to make sure there was no offensive content. Truth be told, it was becoming extremely annoying.

Ironically, my last article in Dawn, published last week, was about the global war on free speech. I said the outrage over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi should be channelled to stop the decline of the independent press worldwide.

I underlined that journalism in Asia was most at risk – and said the European Union should make the mistreatment of independent journalists a major part of its global campaign for human rights.

The attacks on Dawn are a sad – nay tragic – sign of the slow death of Pakistan’s democracy. Democracy is in decline in many parts of the world. The tragedy of Pakistan, however, is that it’s no longer the army or the “civilian government” led by Imran Khan which is in charge. Religious extremists are holding the country hostage.

For proof look no further than the so-called blasphemy case against Asia Bibi and, earlier, the decision to cancel the appointment of a renowned economist Atif Rehman Mian as an adviser to the government because he belongs to Pakistan’s Ahmediya minority.

Seventy-one years after independence, Pakistan’s path to democracy has been a roller-coaster ride. Thrills one minute, despondence and tragedy the next. Heroes morphed into villains – and bad guys were reborn as heroes.

International media continues to report – on and off – on the clamp down on the media, the soap-operatic conduct of leading politicians and the rise of intolerant, extremist voices.

The picture is of a complicated country which is part problematic troublemaker, part an enigma, with a state within a state, fragile and polarised, uncertain of its loyalties.

There is little doubt that through the years, Pakistan’s toxic military-intelligence has stood centre stage, manipulating politicians, pulling the strings, making key decisions, taking sides and clamping down on press freedom.

But despite the turmoil and military meddling, Pakistan had persevered on its democratic trajectory. Democracy in Pakistan was messy and flawed but many believed it was also ultimately resilient.

Dictators came and went. Military coups were followed by civilians in power – and the other way around. In between, there was heady talk of transparency and accountability, combating corruption, building a new and stronger economy.

Pakistani politicians were often more than willing to collude and connive with anti-democratic forces.

But through the turmoil and turbulence, thanks to the resilience and democratic aspirations of the people of Pakistan, a strong media, civil society representatives and human rights defenders. democracy doggedly ploughed on.

But times have changed. Dramatically. Imran Khan’s election has confirmed and reinforced the role of an ever more intrusive military and, even more dangerously, it has unleashed the demons of religious extremism.

Sustained democracy in the 21st century hinges on strong institutions and good governance. Strong democracies require an honest and credible press, an active and committed civil society, robust municipal and city authorities and the active political participation of women, young people end ethnic minorities.

Pakistan’s current “rulers” are – one by one – crushing all the building blocks of democracy. I fear that this time, there may be no going back



https://www.euractiv.com/section/fr...racy-and-the-demise-of-the-independent-press/

 

[Pakistansdefender]

Never ever in the world I saw a press that goes against their own country and national interest.
In Pakistan things are very different.
We have a club of journalist who in their guise of free media went so far, that they become very dangerous liabilities.
They fancy themselves as kingmakers, making one politician angel one day and making other politician villian the next day.

If I can anything, then look at Indian media. How they actually took the government narrative, make people hate the countries government want them to hate. Even praise government on some tough decisions that are bad in short turn but good in the long run. Potray a positive image and always hush the bad news as if there is no bad person and no crime in india.
Specially when it comes to national security they all lie. They are world class lies.
If their is a copetetion in lying , Indians would have won that competition in a jiffy.

 

[Hakikat ve Hikmet]

Elhamdulillah!!! The confirmation has been received!!! After Reis Erdo'an, Kaptan IK may be the next Muslim leader to chop the numerous heads of this Satanic Monster under the payroll of the enemies...

 

[Pakistansdefender]

No where even in banana republics the. Media pressurise the government to give them ads to praise them.
If media is not getting enough ads the their model is not sound.
How the writer made all this a conspiracy of army and Imran khan.
While failing to mention that Imran khan is running a bankrupt government which is unable to give monthly ads of 1.5 billion alone.
How sad. These are our so cleed intellectuals.

Elhamdulillah!!! The confirmation has been received!!! After Reis Erdo'an, Kaptan IK may be the next Muslim leader to chop the numerous heads of this Satanic Monster under the payroll of the enemies...

I hope so.

 

[Zibago]

Pakistan, democracy and the demise of the independent press – EURACTIV.com

Pakistan’s new military-supported government is targeting independent media and poses a grave threat to the country’s democracy, writes Shada Islam.

Shada Islam is the director of Europe and geopolitics at Friends of Europe.

The truth is I was expecting the letter. And it came on 8 November while I was in Rome, thinking about what to write for my weekly column in Dawn, Pakistan’s leading independent newspaper.

Dawn’s editor Zaffar Abbas wrote to say that he was sorry. The newspaper was in trouble. “The unannounced state policy of the last over two years to put a squeeze on the paper was already having its toll, and now several other factors have added to its financial problems”.

And as a result, there was no room for my weekly column from Europe anymore. He hopes it’s a temporary snag. But I fear it isn’t.

Dawn is in the firing line of Pakistan’s military and the current army-sponsored populist government of Imran Khan. The newspaper is too independent, too daring, not ready to bow and scrape, to lie and pander. My colleague Cyril Almeida is being tried for treason. Other journalists are also being muzzled.

I’ve been writing for the paper for at least 25 years and enjoyed every minute. It has never been my main job. I’ve worked for the Far Eastern Economic Review and now as Director for Europe and Geopolitics for Friends of Europe, one of Europe’s leading think tanks.

Writing for Dawn, however, kept me linked to my country of birth. The editor said I had a “loyal following” of readers who wanted to hear an insider/outsider’s view of global politics, Europe, America, China and Pakistan.

I loved it – and put my heart and soul into every weekly column I wrote which, like clockwork, appeared every Saturday.

But I knew the hammer was ready to fall.

An article I had written just before the July elections in Pakistan had – for the first time – been axed because it was considered too tough on the role of the military. Other pieces since then have been vetted to make sure there was no offensive content. Truth be told, it was becoming extremely annoying.

Ironically, my last article in Dawn, published last week, was about the global war on free speech. I said the outrage over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi should be channelled to stop the decline of the independent press worldwide.

I underlined that journalism in Asia was most at risk – and said the European Union should make the mistreatment of independent journalists a major part of its global campaign for human rights.

The attacks on Dawn are a sad – nay tragic – sign of the slow death of Pakistan’s democracy. Democracy is in decline in many parts of the world. The tragedy of Pakistan, however, is that it’s no longer the army or the “civilian government” led by Imran Khan which is in charge. Religious extremists are holding the country hostage.

For proof look no further than the so-called blasphemy case against Asia Bibi and, earlier, the decision to cancel the appointment of a renowned economist Atif Rehman Mian as an adviser to the government because he belongs to Pakistan’s Ahmediya minority.

Seventy-one years after independence, Pakistan’s path to democracy has been a roller-coaster ride. Thrills one minute, despondence and tragedy the next. Heroes morphed into villains – and bad guys were reborn as heroes.

International media continues to report – on and off – on the clamp down on the media, the soap-operatic conduct of leading politicians and the rise of intolerant, extremist voices.

The picture is of a complicated country which is part problematic troublemaker, part an enigma, with a state within a state, fragile and polarised, uncertain of its loyalties.

There is little doubt that through the years, Pakistan’s toxic military-intelligence has stood centre stage, manipulating politicians, pulling the strings, making key decisions, taking sides and clamping down on press freedom.

But despite the turmoil and military meddling, Pakistan had persevered on its democratic trajectory. Democracy in Pakistan was messy and flawed but many believed it was also ultimately resilient.

Dictators came and went. Military coups were followed by civilians in power – and the other way around. In between, there was heady talk of transparency and accountability, combating corruption, building a new and stronger economy.

Pakistani politicians were often more than willing to collude and connive with anti-democratic forces.

But through the turmoil and turbulence, thanks to the resilience and democratic aspirations of the people of Pakistan, a strong media, civil society representatives and human rights defenders. democracy doggedly ploughed on.

But times have changed. Dramatically. Imran Khan’s election has confirmed and reinforced the role of an ever more intrusive military and, even more dangerously, it has unleashed the demons of religious extremism.

Sustained democracy in the 21st century hinges on strong institutions and good governance. Strong democracies require an honest and credible press, an active and committed civil society, robust municipal and city authorities and the active political participation of women, young people end ethnic minorities.

Pakistan’s current “rulers” are – one by one – crushing all the building blocks of democracy. I fear that this time, there may be no going back



https://www.euractiv.com/section/fr...racy-and-the-demise-of-the-independent-press/

I cant understand why they feel entitled about our tax money
https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/pakistani-media-feeling-the-squeeze-without-ad-money.586103/

Pakistan, democracy and the demise of the independent press – EURACTIV.com

Pakistan’s new military-supported government is targeting independent media and poses a grave threat to the country’s democracy, writes Shada Islam.

Shada Islam is the director of Europe and geopolitics at Friends of Europe.

The truth is I was expecting the letter. And it came on 8 November while I was in Rome, thinking about what to write for my weekly column in Dawn, Pakistan’s leading independent newspaper.

Dawn’s editor Zaffar Abbas wrote to say that he was sorry. The newspaper was in trouble. “The unannounced state policy of the last over two years to put a squeeze on the paper was already having its toll, and now several other factors have added to its financial problems”.

And as a result, there was no room for my weekly column from Europe anymore. He hopes it’s a temporary snag. But I fear it isn’t.

Dawn is in the firing line of Pakistan’s military and the current army-sponsored populist government of Imran Khan. The newspaper is too independent, too daring, not ready to bow and scrape, to lie and pander. My colleague Cyril Almeida is being tried for treason. Other journalists are also being muzzled.

I’ve been writing for the paper for at least 25 years and enjoyed every minute. It has never been my main job. I’ve worked for the Far Eastern Economic Review and now as Director for Europe and Geopolitics for Friends of Europe, one of Europe’s leading think tanks.

Writing for Dawn, however, kept me linked to my country of birth. The editor said I had a “loyal following” of readers who wanted to hear an insider/outsider’s view of global politics, Europe, America, China and Pakistan.

I loved it – and put my heart and soul into every weekly column I wrote which, like clockwork, appeared every Saturday.

But I knew the hammer was ready to fall.

An article I had written just before the July elections in Pakistan had – for the first time – been axed because it was considered too tough on the role of the military. Other pieces since then have been vetted to make sure there was no offensive content. Truth be told, it was becoming extremely annoying.

Ironically, my last article in Dawn, published last week, was about the global war on free speech. I said the outrage over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi should be channelled to stop the decline of the independent press worldwide.

I underlined that journalism in Asia was most at risk – and said the European Union should make the mistreatment of independent journalists a major part of its global campaign for human rights.

The attacks on Dawn are a sad – nay tragic – sign of the slow death of Pakistan’s democracy. Democracy is in decline in many parts of the world. The tragedy of Pakistan, however, is that it’s no longer the army or the “civilian government” led by Imran Khan which is in charge. Religious extremists are holding the country hostage.

For proof look no further than the so-called blasphemy case against Asia Bibi and, earlier, the decision to cancel the appointment of a renowned economist Atif Rehman Mian as an adviser to the government because he belongs to Pakistan’s Ahmediya minority.

Seventy-one years after independence, Pakistan’s path to democracy has been a roller-coaster ride. Thrills one minute, despondence and tragedy the next. Heroes morphed into villains – and bad guys were reborn as heroes.

International media continues to report – on and off – on the clamp down on the media, the soap-operatic conduct of leading politicians and the rise of intolerant, extremist voices.

The picture is of a complicated country which is part problematic troublemaker, part an enigma, with a state within a state, fragile and polarised, uncertain of its loyalties.

There is little doubt that through the years, Pakistan’s toxic military-intelligence has stood centre stage, manipulating politicians, pulling the strings, making key decisions, taking sides and clamping down on press freedom.

But despite the turmoil and military meddling, Pakistan had persevered on its democratic trajectory. Democracy in Pakistan was messy and flawed but many believed it was also ultimately resilient.

Dictators came and went. Military coups were followed by civilians in power – and the other way around. In between, there was heady talk of transparency and accountability, combating corruption, building a new and stronger economy.

Pakistani politicians were often more than willing to collude and connive with anti-democratic forces.

But through the turmoil and turbulence, thanks to the resilience and democratic aspirations of the people of Pakistan, a strong media, civil society representatives and human rights defenders. democracy doggedly ploughed on.

But times have changed. Dramatically. Imran Khan’s election has confirmed and reinforced the role of an ever more intrusive military and, even more dangerously, it has unleashed the demons of religious extremism.

Sustained democracy in the 21st century hinges on strong institutions and good governance. Strong democracies require an honest and credible press, an active and committed civil society, robust municipal and city authorities and the active political participation of women, young people end ethnic minorities.

Pakistan’s current “rulers” are – one by one – crushing all the building blocks of democracy. I fear that this time, there may be no going back



https://www.euractiv.com/section/fr...racy-and-the-demise-of-the-independent-press/

Right there she insults democracy by mocking Imran Khan the elected prime minister as just some guy used by the army
She is not fighting for democracy but her own interests that have been compromised post Nawaz

 

[TheDarkKnight]

Pakistan, democracy and the demise of the independent press – EURACTIV.com

Pakistan’s new military-supported government is targeting independent media and poses a grave threat to the country’s democracy, writes Shada Islam.

Shada Islam is the director of Europe and geopolitics at Friends of Europe.

The truth is I was expecting the letter. And it came on 8 November while I was in Rome, thinking about what to write for my weekly column in Dawn, Pakistan’s leading independent newspaper.

Dawn’s editor Zaffar Abbas wrote to say that he was sorry. The newspaper was in trouble. “The unannounced state policy of the last over two years to put a squeeze on the paper was already having its toll, and now several other factors have added to its financial problems”.

And as a result, there was no room for my weekly column from Europe anymore. He hopes it’s a temporary snag. But I fear it isn’t.

Dawn is in the firing line of Pakistan’s military and the current army-sponsored populist government of Imran Khan. The newspaper is too independent, too daring, not ready to bow and scrape, to lie and pander. My colleague Cyril Almeida is being tried for treason. Other journalists are also being muzzled.

I’ve been writing for the paper for at least 25 years and enjoyed every minute. It has never been my main job. I’ve worked for the Far Eastern Economic Review and now as Director for Europe and Geopolitics for Friends of Europe, one of Europe’s leading think tanks.

Writing for Dawn, however, kept me linked to my country of birth. The editor said I had a “loyal following” of readers who wanted to hear an insider/outsider’s view of global politics, Europe, America, China and Pakistan.

I loved it – and put my heart and soul into every weekly column I wrote which, like clockwork, appeared every Saturday.

But I knew the hammer was ready to fall.

An article I had written just before the July elections in Pakistan had – for the first time – been axed because it was considered too tough on the role of the military. Other pieces since then have been vetted to make sure there was no offensive content. Truth be told, it was becoming extremely annoying.

Ironically, my last article in Dawn, published last week, was about the global war on free speech. I said the outrage over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi should be channelled to stop the decline of the independent press worldwide.

I underlined that journalism in Asia was most at risk – and said the European Union should make the mistreatment of independent journalists a major part of its global campaign for human rights.

The attacks on Dawn are a sad – nay tragic – sign of the slow death of Pakistan’s democracy. Democracy is in decline in many parts of the world. The tragedy of Pakistan, however, is that it’s no longer the army or the “civilian government” led by Imran Khan which is in charge. Religious extremists are holding the country hostage.

For proof look no further than the so-called blasphemy case against Asia Bibi and, earlier, the decision to cancel the appointment of a renowned economist Atif Rehman Mian as an adviser to the government because he belongs to Pakistan’s Ahmediya minority.

Seventy-one years after independence, Pakistan’s path to democracy has been a roller-coaster ride. Thrills one minute, despondence and tragedy the next. Heroes morphed into villains – and bad guys were reborn as heroes.

International media continues to report – on and off – on the clamp down on the media, the soap-operatic conduct of leading politicians and the rise of intolerant, extremist voices.

The picture is of a complicated country which is part problematic troublemaker, part an enigma, with a state within a state, fragile and polarised, uncertain of its loyalties.

There is little doubt that through the years, Pakistan’s toxic military-intelligence has stood centre stage, manipulating politicians, pulling the strings, making key decisions, taking sides and clamping down on press freedom.

But despite the turmoil and military meddling, Pakistan had persevered on its democratic trajectory. Democracy in Pakistan was messy and flawed but many believed it was also ultimately resilient.

Dictators came and went. Military coups were followed by civilians in power – and the other way around. In between, there was heady talk of transparency and accountability, combating corruption, building a new and stronger economy.

Pakistani politicians were often more than willing to collude and connive with anti-democratic forces.

But through the turmoil and turbulence, thanks to the resilience and democratic aspirations of the people of Pakistan, a strong media, civil society representatives and human rights defenders. democracy doggedly ploughed on.

But times have changed. Dramatically. Imran Khan’s election has confirmed and reinforced the role of an ever more intrusive military and, even more dangerously, it has unleashed the demons of religious extremism.

Sustained democracy in the 21st century hinges on strong institutions and good governance. Strong democracies require an honest and credible press, an active and committed civil society, robust municipal and city authorities and the active political participation of women, young people end ethnic minorities.

Pakistan’s current “rulers” are – one by one – crushing all the building blocks of democracy. I fear that this time, there may be no going back



https://www.euractiv.com/section/fr...racy-and-the-demise-of-the-independent-press/

Hi answer one question please:
What has a civilian like IK done to this “independent” newspaper in mere two months that military dictators like Musharaf, Zia and Ayub couldnt do in their collective 30+ years of dictatorial rule?

Why should Pakistani tax payer money, in form of govt ads, should go to the benefit of these for-profit orgs? I am all for letting them run, which they still can, but based on capatalistic rules of business - i.e. gotta make your own living and no free handouts especially from tax payers!!!