Attack on State Broadcaster, symbol of national cohesion
EVER since the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in 1947, the state broadcaster ie Radio Pakistan, has effectively been projecting the narrative of the state inside and outside the country. The brief history of this prestigious organization is that it played its frontline role in wars and peace times and its services were always acknowledged and acclaimed.
Radio Pakistan, like other sensitive institutions of the state, has always been an irritant for the enemies because it exposed the snakes in sleeves and countered the vicious propaganda by the eastern enemy aimed at fanning terrorism, sectarianism and provincial prejudices to undermine the very foundation of the state. It is worth-mentioning here that Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, had shouted at Radio Pakistan at a public meeting. An Indian TV channel aired a full program against this state broadcaster, when the latter highlighted the struggle of the oppressed Sikhs and their referendum in different parts of the world.
Radio Pakistan played a tremendous and historic role in war on terror by and effectively foiled the nefarious designs of the enemy. When the enemy tried to let loose reign of terrorism through ‘Mullah Radio,’ Radio Pakistan took religious scholars, intelligentsia and reputed figures of the country on board and highlighted the teaching of Islam, a religion of peace and tolerance.
It is rightly said that Radio Pakistan is defender of State’s ideological frontiers. Its effective interventions in critical times made it a target of the enemies of the state. The hallmarks of the transmission of Radio Pakistan is that it airs its transmission in 28 languages, spoken in the country as well as in neighbouring countries. It is the only broadcasting organization that airs recitation of Holy Qur’an with Urdu translation 24/7.
Radio Pakistan’s role in forging national cohesion cannot be underestimated. Its transmission has always been serious, sober and purposeful. It never creates hype or stokes sensationalism. It always gives a message of hope to the people, facing multiple socio-economic problems. Its role in infusing patriotism among compatriots is also a history. So far as Radio Pakistan Peshawar is concerned, it was established in 1935, the oldest radio station of the country, which has the honour of making historic announcement about the establishment of Pakistan on the night between 13 and 14 August in Urdu and Pashto languages.
Because of its above-stated role, the enemy always targeted the state broadcaster. I fail to understand, why this holy organization was targeted by miscreants and what objective they intend to achieve by this, except exposing their own vicious agenda, chalked out by those pulling their strings. The country witnessed worst incidents of terrorism in the past as well in which even schoolchildren were not spared. Joining the dots will surely help us draw a clear picture of the designs of the enemy.
I have every reason to believe that attack on state-broadcaster was well-thought out. It was an attack on the symbol of national cohesion and not just on a government department because the office of provincial livestock, met office and provincial assembly are located in the same area. The so-called infuriated mob, was directed to a selected destination or target.
It is all the more deplorable that the party, whose workers were involved in this ghastly incident, failed to condemn this vandalism and other similar attacks on sensitive institution. They are perhaps breaking the myth, which is extremely threatening the unity of the country. The sober elements of society, no matter which party they vote for, come out and loudly condemn recent acts of terrorism on sensitive installations.
—The writer is former Director News, Radio Pakistan.
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