The Power of Media: Upholding Democracy, Freedom of Expression, and National Stability
The Crucial Role of Media in Democracy – Agha Zuhaib Khan. Media is considered an integral component of statehood; alongside three other pillars it forms the cornerstone upon which our nation rests and stands firm. Indeed, that is their purpose and duty.
The executive, parliament and judiciary pillars are charged with governance and dispensing justice; media serves as watchdog against state controls to make sure it remains within acceptable parameters; it can also play an integral role in informing opinions on important national issues while strengthening unity within our nation and combatting any divisive and negative trends that exist within it.
Media outlets must guarantee freedom of expression as an essential right that stems from citizens’ right to be informed; since governments are elected by voters and they should receive accurate updates about what their elected government is up to and policies it pursues. To allow media outlets to play their desired and necessary role effectively, guaranteeing freedom of expression as an essential right is crucial for media organizations’ operations.
Media played an instrumental role in rebuilding nations after World War-II. A particularly prominent example was Die Zeit’s weekly publication from Hamburg that helped restore morale among a population devastated by World War-II by encouraging its populace to join national leadership efforts to rebuild it.
The Crucial Role of Media in Democracy – Balancing Freedom, Accountability, and National Integrity By Agha Zuhaib Khan
Media can be extremely harmful when it is given over to sensationalism, fake narratives, and fake news – as is evident by Pakistani media today. Current tensions show this clearly: certain channels have engaged in damaging leaders from certain parties while disseminating false details regarding corruption allegations; others promoted stories about special interests.
Rivalry between media companies and channels going beyond fair competition within the marketplace of ideas is one major cause of irresponsible behavior among media outlets. Social media, especially, has played an increasingly detrimental role by spreading fake news, disseminating false information to attack political opponents or denigrate government officials who run them.
John Wilkes was a prominent radical politician from London who helped pave the way for press freedom during the 18th century in Britain. In 1762 he wrote in his weekly paper “The North Britain” that freedom of expression “was the foundation of all other liberties in Britain” This quote could serve as an inspiring credo for nations that recognize human rights and liberties, especially ones who adhere to democratic principles.
Freedom of expression and democracy go hand-in-hand and are essential. Freedom of speech is one of the fundamental rights listed in the UN’s Declaration of Universal Human Rights; nearly all countries who have signed this document and with written constitutions provide legal protections for freedom of speech.
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Article 19 of Pakistan’s constitution underscores this right to freedom of expression: “Each citizen shall enjoy freedom of speech and expression; there shall be press freedom subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law for reasons related to glorifying Islam, protecting Pakistan or any part thereof from attack, friendly relations with foreign states, maintaining public order or decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court proceedings or inciting to an offense”
Constitutional provisions regarding freedom of expression and media reflect internationally recognized responsibilities of states to oversee all entities that fall within its territorial boundaries in order to strengthen both state sovereignty, its ideological foundations, national interests, and moral values. There can never be unrestricted media freedom around the globe – and rightfully so.
Media can only protect their freedom and fulfill its official role responsibly; yet, government has an inherent constitutional duty to make sure organizations such as media don’t breach state authority limits.
Media should serve as a watchdog against government while also safeguarding public and state interests by upholding its pluralistic nature and spreading all truth. They must expose individuals who work against state interests for personal gain or narrow political agendas – Pakistan should always come first!
Media have an obligation both to the nation and themselves. The current administration must ensure that media have free speech within internationally accepted codes of ethics for professional and ethical conduct and that social media platforms are properly controlled.
Media has the right to defend its freedoms and perform their roles responsibly; however, this requires them to be held accountable.
The Crucial Role of Media in Democracy – Balancing Freedom, Accountability, and National Integrity By Agha Zuhaib Khan