The Role of Mass Media in Pakistan

Introduction
This paper highlights the role of mass media in Pakistan and discusses the transition of the media
industry going from state controlled to independent and its role in impacting Pakistan’s social,
economic, and political problems.

Evolution of Print and Electronic Media Industry of Pakistan

Before and during the advent of Pakistan, there were few newspaper outlets which amplified the
voices of Muslims. These included Nawa-i-waqat, DAWN, Pakistan Times, Zamindar, Civil and
Military Gazette, Morning News and Jang. Print media was mostly in the private hands but could be
controlled by the Government.

Unlike Print media, the Government had complete monoply over Pakistan’s electronic industry
which included it’s radios and TV channels. This monoply eventually subsided as international TV
transmissions could be seen on local dish antennas in Pakistani homes, also when Geo news began
its first transmission leading to the new era of private channels in Pakistan. With the success of
private electronic media, less people engaged in state owned media so PTV (Pakistan Television)
made steps to improve and create more TV and Radio channels.

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) granted two licenses for Internet Protocol
TV (IPTV) transmission: one to Pakistan Telecommunication Limited (PTCL) and the other to Sachal
Satellite Communication, both of which are operational. Additionally, in 2009, two foreign mobile
companies, Mobilink and Telenor, were authorized to provide TV transmission via Mobile TV.

Media governing bodies

Media governing bodies such as the following all work together to regulate all forms of media that
are published or broadcasted in Pakistan;

1) The Press Information Department (PID), which coordinates with newspapers, news
agencies, TV channels, radio and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
2) All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), that watches over, protects, preserves and
promotes the rights and interests of the newspaper industry
3) Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), which looks for the interests of the
Newspaper owners .
4) All Pakistan Newspaper Employees Council (APNEC) that looks into the interests of the
employees.
5) All Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) that looks for the interests of the journalist
community.
6) PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) regulates and promotes the
establishment and operation of all private broadcast media and distribution stations in
Pakistan established for the purpose of international, national, provincial, district, local or
special target audiences.
Major media houses
The three major media houses in pakistan are; the Jang group, the Nawa-i-Waqt group and the
Dawn group. Other media houses such as Lakhani group and Dubai based ARY group have also
made their place in Pakistani Media.

Potential of Pakistani Media:

Over the years, Pakistani Media has been used as a tool to either impart specific information or
withhold important information from the public. And the public has valiently fought for the right of
independent press and freedom of expression. It is essential for media to be catered for the
collective benefit of the general public. The purpose of media is to highlight the trouble spots in the
society and press the government and public to devise suitable mechanisms to eliminate these
troubles. The Pakistani media has seen harsh times but no doubt has achieved several milestones
throughout its evolution. With proper professional training and responsibilty, it can improve the
areas in which it is lacking and continue to evolve and grow.