Azaadi Discussion: Pak Media! Now & Then!

Pakistani Media: Now & Then!

Media is a reflection of a nation. It reflects the stories of the society, and gives awareness to its people.

Pakistan has been fortunate that from day one, she got great writers, great directors, great producers and above all greats artists. All of them with combined talent have produced amazing plays, which were based on reality, and were the source of awareness to the developing country.

Pakistan Television Corporation Limited (PTV) was established in October 1963 under the supervision of Government of Pakistan (GOP). First Station was made with Black & White effects in November 1964. And from then, in just ten years, PTV made its five stations in all the four provinces.

PTV grew everyday, and gave its viewers great drama and talk shows. Like: Taleem-e-Balghan, Shama, Afshan, Fifty Fifty, Anghan Tera, Taniyan, Unkahi, Studio dhai (2 and a half), Studio ponaye teen, Urosa, Sunhrye Din, Aik Muhbaat So Afsanye and in more recent ones Bhandhan, Ansoo, Alpha Bravo Charlie, Mehndi and list goes on.

However, now that the competition has increased after the start of private channels, we now find only quantity, than quality on many private channels. Artists are working just to earn fame and money overnight. They take every possible role they get their hands on. This is weakening strong bases of our strong image, which reflects quality.

If this continues, what do you think is the future of Pakistani media?

Do you think by doing this, Pakistani channels are losing viewership?

The new trend of making serials with artists from India and Pakistan, do you think is it really helping unite both countries or is it just a money making formula?

How can we save our national channels from this war of quantity vs quality?

I also want to add, that what do you think, why our Film Industry is not improving, but is going further back. If you look at Pakistani Movies until early 1980s, you will find great stories, great directions, great artists, and great compositions, the lyrics were meaningful, and movies were watch able with family. They reflect problems and dreams of a common man in Pakistan. Movies also had a taste of Patriotism. And watching movie in those days was a very deceit hobby.

What is the reason that hardly anyone goes and watch new and recent movies?

Is it the story, or Direction or the technology, or the Acting, or is it a combination of all?

Why isn't our youth, who are studying about films, are not making films, but are making only music videos?

Do you think if they start making movies, Pakistan's Film Industry will improve?

If this continues, what do you think is the future of Pakistani media?
I think, if this continues the Pakistani media will soon loose its simplicy and the originality of it.

Do you think by doing this, Pakistani channels are losing viewership?
Yup, it sure is losing the viewership of many people who wants to see the dramas that they can comfortably watch with their family.

The new trend of making serials with artists from India and Pakistan, do you think is it really helping unite both countries or is it just a money making formula?
May be in some way it is, that the artists get to work with each other and cooperate but still it could be politics too, as it is not the only way of showing the friendship... the hatred of both countries will not diminish until the way of thinking of both countries change. Moreover, making friends with others doesnt mean you have to transform completely like them, you can be yourself and still be friends with others.

How can we save our national channels from this war of quantity vs quality?
I think it is a good idea to work with Indian artists but they should not change the way dramas are being directed and not lose the culture (esp the clothing and haya) for money and showing the friendliness towards other.

Will repond to other questions after a while as they all are so good and should be discussed in detail! 😊

--Amreen