A RECENT Ramazan transmission on a television channel, hosted by a famous actor, stirred up the proverbial hornet’s nest. During the episode, which featured several clerics, the impassioned host called for strict punishment for alleged blasphemy. He did not stop there, and demanded that the faces of families of the accused should be shown publically, too, so that everyone should know them. Really?

I wonder this is anything less than painting a target on the back of people who are yet to be proven guilty of the crime in a court of law, let alone endangering the lives of their entire families. This is an open and unabashed incitement to violence, which has led to mob violence many a time in the past, only to be proven later that the allegations were motivated by personal interests, grudge or outright enmity.

Despite passionate appeals and criticism, the host stuck to his guns and retweeted content that was being pushed by a certain lobby in his support and validation. Such open calls for violence on nationwide television will further brutalise society and repress the already vulnerable religious minorities that remain a soft target of tyranny and subjugation at the hands of extremist forces. Unfortunately, the weaponisation of religious extremism for political and strategic interests has led to repeated humiliation and sanctions on the country. Still, the authorities somehow find it convenient to leave this festering wound untreated.

With the economy already in a downward spiral, can we imagine affording another blacklisting and global isolation? It is time for media personalities to take their professional responsibilities seriously and promote peace and harmony in society, rather than spreading hate and violence. The law-enforcement agencies and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) should take stringent action against the television channel concerned and, indeed, the host to set the right example and salvage Pakistan from burying itself deeper in the cesspool of extremism.

Sher Zaman
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2023