PAKISTAN is a country blessed with rich heritage, great cultural diversity, scenic places and talented people. Much to our dismay though, we hardly find any television programme focussing on such things. The only thing we are able to see on the screens is high-intensity talk shows and programmes promoting negativity, fear and a sense of deprivation.

The TV dramas presented these days are nothing less than a source of frustration, either showing something which does not belong to our cultural and religious norms, or something which is a mere showcase of the status quo. The lavish houses and lifestyles they depict is not something close to reality and those who can afford them in reality are no more than a miniscule percentage of the population. Why can’t we promote and encourage our youth through programmes based on intellectual discussions, or involving our scientists and researchers through shows highlighting their achievements and our rich scientific accomplishments where we had so many top-rated scientists in the past making impactful contributions?

Our ministries of cultural affairs, youth and education must consider these points and should seriously start working on preparing shows that may have a positive impact on our youth, keeping them at bay from desperation and frustration.

Kaleem Ahmed
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2021