Awoken Nation

 There is a significant and complex crisis within Pakistan's political and judicial systems. In such a context, the role of journalists and media outlets becomes critical. When a government is accused of using undemocratic or authoritarian measures against opposition figures and parties and unfairly attempting to manipulate the judiciary, the principles of balanced journalism do not necessarily mean neutrality between the oppressor and the oppressed. Instead, it involves critical examination of the facts, exposing injustices, and advocating for the protection of democratic norms and human rights. 1. The Role of Journalists in Crisis Situations: In times of political turmoil, particularly when allegations of authoritarianism or fascism are involved, journalists are expected to hold power to account. This may require speaking out against violations of democratic principles, such as the suppression of opposition voices, politically motivated arrests, and attempts to undermine the judi...

 In Pakistan, identifying which journalists may be compromised or "wrongly opinionated" is a challenge, particularly given the complex media landscape and the influence exerted by powerful quarters. The term "lafafa," meaning an individual receiving bribes or favors in exchange for biased reporting, highlights a deep-rooted public skepticism toward mainstream media. With increasing reliance on social media for information, the problem extends further as discerning between genuine news and propaganda becomes difficult. However, while it is impossible to pinpoint every compromised journalist definitively, there are some methods for assessing their credibility. 1. Examine Consistency and Independence: A credible journalist typically maintains consistency in their principles, regardless of political or social shifts. Assess whether a journalist's opinions or reporting style changes dramatically depending on the ruling government or influential groups. If their view...

 Pakistan’s political landscape has long been marked by instability, power struggles, and an ongoing tug-of-war between civilian governments and military leadership. In recent years, this instability has been exacerbated by a political system that appears to be dominated by a ruling elite more concerned with personal gain than with the country's welfare. This elite, often seen as functioning more like a mafia than a democratically elected government, has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's politics, leading to widespread discontent, economic crises, and a general erosion of democratic norms. Background of Political Instability in Pakistan Pakistan's political instability can be traced back to its inception in 1947. The country’s history is a patchwork of military coups, brief periods of democratic rule, and power concentrated in the hands of a small elite. The military has seized power several times, with generals ruling the country for nearly half its history. C...

  Reversing the decline of character ethics in a country like Pakistan and restoring the rule of law requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that addresses systemic corruption and the moral and intellectual education of the people. The entrenched corruption within Pakistan’s ruling elite is a result of decades of deliberate policies designed to entrench power in the hands of a political mafia that has manipulated institutions to serve its own interests. However, hope lies in empowering the ordinary people to reclaim their country by fostering a culture of integrity, rule of law, and moral values. This can be achieved through carefully planned reforms, educational initiatives, and grassroots movements. Here’s how we can move forward: 1. Strengthening the Rule of Law through Institutional Reforms Reforms must begin at the institutional level to reverse systemic corruption and enforce the rule of law. The institutions that uphold justice—the judiciary, police, and bureaucracy...

One of Imran Khan's constant messages is that he wants Pakistan to become a social welfare state similar to "Riasat-e-Madina." However, we must realize that this is not a switch he will turn on, and Pakistan will magically become a Riasat-e-Madina. Riasat-e-Madina is more of a thought and a mindset than anything else. Once people’s beliefs change, Riasat-e-Madina will start to form.  One of Imran Khan's constant messages is that he envisions Pakistan as a social welfare state akin to "Riasat-e-Madina." However, it is essential to understand that this transformation is not instantaneous and cannot occur overnight. Riasat-e-Madina represents more than just structural changes; it embodies a thought process and mindset that permeates society. The shift toward this ideal state begins with a transformation in the beliefs and attitudes of the populace. Riasat-e-Madina refers to the Islamic welfare state established by the Prophet Muhammad in Medina, renowned fo...

Corruption is a deeply rooted problem in many societies, including Pakistan, and addressing it requires understanding its causes and implementing systematic remedies. To hold politicians and leaders to a higher standard, we must first acknowledge that corruption thrives due to several ingrained beliefs and practices. Causes of Corruption: Normalization of Corrupt Behavior: One major cause of corruption is its normalization. People have observed corrupt practices among those in power for generations. Over time, this has led to the subconscious acceptance of corruption as an inevitable part of life. It is often seen as a byproduct of power, with the belief that those who achieve positions of influence somehow “earn” the right to indulge in such behavior. This perception becomes so ingrained that even honest individuals may begin to view corruption as an unfortunate but unavoidable fact of life. Avoidance of Confrontation: Many ...