ISLAMABAD: Media can play a leading role as facilitators in ending the recurring pattern of mob violence that threatens minority communities and religious tolerance in the country.

This was stated by Institute of Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA) and the Alliance for Diversity and Pluralism in Media (ADPM) in a statement here on Saturday.

Condemning the Jaranwala incident, it urged the news media to be mindful of its duty to the public interest.

The civic groups said the Jaranwala mob violence was a reminder that the media must educate the public to be careful of false allegations and how extremist elements manipulated people’s genuine emotions for personal gains through violent means.

“News media outlets pride themselves in their watchdog role but they need to realize that this role is not just limited to political, current affairs and public office-holders,” Muhammad Aftab Alam, the executive director of IRADA and convener of the ADPM said.

This role, he said, extended to holding the state authorities accountable for protecting ordinary citizens from harm, especially the most vulnerable segments of society.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2023