Citizen journalism in Pakistan

Internet and blogosphere have played a major role in furthering freedom of speech in our times. Especially for the dissident discourse of the youth, internet has proved to be the safe haven where questions over orthodox and traditionally established notions could be asked without fear of a violent backlash.

Recently I came across ‘Kalam TV’ which is the first video portal launched in Pakistan. As it seems, we are finally catching up to the global trend of citizen journalism. Despite the fact that social censorship still exists in Pakistan on matters ranging from religion to culture to politics, there is a surge in the mushroom growth of audacious bloggers and online activists. Pakistan Video Portal is an excellent part of this trend in that it allows common users an opportunity to cite their opinions and views about social and national issues. A user can upload videos on the portal and get real-time feedback in the form of comments or through the chat feature.

The best part about this portal is that it is developed in local language. There is an acute shortage of Urdu-interface web portals and one is very rare to come by these days. This neglect is gradually pushing Urdu out of the realm of internet. Kalam TV’s site, however, is entirely interfaced in Urdu and has a more local touch to it, making it very easy for a common person to navigate through it and upload videos. I think there really is a need for more such initiatives to surface so that the ‘forgotten’ language, our forgotten language could be revived.

I personally think we have come a long way since Zia’s era. From a time back then when religious and dictatorial suppression reigned supreme, to a time where anything that stands contrary to logic and rationality is being questioned by the vernal cogency, we have evolved to be more tolerant and progressive. Granted we continue to reap the fruits of Zia’s policies breeding militant organizations, there is at least a condemnation and a realization of the past mistakes. We see a range of ideas now being discussed in the social realm, ranging from liberalism to socialism to secularism, enlightened moderation and what not. And religion’s political facet has definitely taken a back-seat after the latest failed venture of MMA. Let’s hope that we continue to follow the course and eventually, ours could be society which is based upon humane principles, especially those of freedom of speech, expression and faith.