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A TV channel for the army?

HAIDER

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RAWALPINDI: This is with reference to Farrukh Khan Pitafi’s article of December 21 titled “A TV channel for the army?”

I have not read the paper referred to by Mr Pitafi in the Army’s Green Book but I am sure that the writer of the paper would have some arguments for his proposal. The fact that the Pakistan Army dabbled in the country’s political system has put it on very fragile grounds in the public mindset. Even an academic and apparently harmless suggestion by a military general seems to threaten the system. During Nawaz Sharif’s previous government, an army chief was sacked for suggesting a higher forum for defence planning. It was an academic suggestion offered in a talk to the students of the Naval Staff College.

The present suggestion for the military to have its own TV channel has also been offered in a military publication, which provides opportunity to military men to project their ideas. These ideas are not necessarily reflective of any military policy nor do they indicate that such steps are in place for execution.

For the past 14 years, the Pakistan Army is involved in a fight against an enemy that has no defined demarcations. Fighting a counter-insurgency war is a complex task as the lines between friend and foe get blurred. The military is always vulnerable and tends to suffer more than the adversary since it is conspicuously recognisable. The past years have shown that it has sustained huge losses in its fight against the militants and insurgents. Despite these losses in men and material, there was a recent uproar in the media on whether the army men killed in actions against the militants were martyrs or just killed in an unjust war. The debate involved media, prominent political leaders, opinion makers and the ISPR. When an army is actively involved in a fight for the survival of the country it is sworn to defend internally and externally, such debates set demoralising forces in motion that adversely affect the military.

When an army is fighting to defend the country and is suffering losses, it needs recognition from its country and people. In Pakistan, this recognition is erratic at best; the past national conduct demonstrates this elaborately. The army was the nation’s darling after the 1965 conflict with India; it became a national villain after the 1971 war, despite the fact that its involvement had the full backing of the national political leaders.

The military does not embark on a military excursion on its own; it needs a political decision for that; Kargil may be the only exception though both sides offer conflicting arguments. The present combat involvement of the army in the fight against militancy has the backing of successive military and political governments. It is fighting the war to the best of its ability with the resources that it has at its disposal and is suffering huge losses in men and material. Yet, the strong message is being conveyed to the military that it is fighting an unjust cause. The ‘Aman ki Asha’ media campaign indicates that the cultural values on which this country was established and the military is sworn to defend is a thing of the past and no longer sustainable.

In this politico-social environment, the military is seemingly losing its direction. In the absence of any political guidance, some minds in the army will strive to have their ideas heard. The suggestion of an exclusive army TV channel is one such idea. In an environment where everyone is bent upon maligning the military, there may be a real need for the military to have its views and voice heard by those it is tasked to defend from the visible and invisible enemy.

Brigadier (retd) Abdur Rahman Jerral

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2013.
 
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Pakistan needs to turn off all the extra channels on Air in Pakistan

a) They don't provide entertainment i.e educational , informative, fun programming
b) Most are mouth piece of Political Parties
c) There is 99% focus on politics and 0.05% focus on entertainment

No Cartoon
No Children Education and Programming for 2 hours daily needs for kids
No Education Shows
No General Knowledge Shows
No Documentaries on Nature
No English Training Courses
No Dramas (Funded and run by Professional graduates)
No Agricultural Education Programming
No Tourism focus shows

The Channels do not purchase sports rights or promote local sports events
like Boxing , Wrestling , Athletics , Tennis , Basketball etc there is no sponsorship of sports by thee channels. Also there is no coverage of any Leadership shows

Therefore , Pakistan should seriously consider going back to 60's - 70's format of Television PTV style and hire Actors and maintain a pool of Actor and Artist

There is lack of Journalistic accountability , news is published with out sources or credible source or proof and that is a problem.

There has to be a BAN on unnecessary News Channels , specially ones that are broadcasting from UAE, international channels should not be allowed to broadcast anything on Pakistani air , just like in USA no channel can appear on local Cable unless "they get approval from local government'


Pakistan should have Licences for 5 TV Channels only

a) PTV News/ Headlines
  • News Local 10%
  • News International 10%
  • Live Correspondent Reporting on Local Stories 50%
  • Business Shows 20%, Inform people on expos and events in Cities
  • 10% sports news

b) PTV 1 General Entertainment
  • Dramas
  • Children Education
  • Cartoons
  • Education Trivia Shows
  • International Programming
  • Live Sporting Events (Foot ball, Cricket , Hockey)
  • Classical Music
  • Business Coverage

c) PTV 2: Youth TV
  • Live Local Sporting Events
  • English Education Training Programs
  • Education Shows for Grade 6- Grade 9 students
  • Music Shows Youth
  • Trivia Shows
  • Pakistan Cricket League Highlights
  • Business Coverage

d) PTV 3: Cultural Channel

  • Stage Dramas
  • Cinema / Entertainment Review in City
  • Tourism based shows
  • International Documentaries (Africa , South Africa , Asia)
  • Scientific Shows
  • Cultural Music (Sindhi , Punjabi , Baluoch , Pakhtoon)
  • Business Coverage


e) PTV 4 : High School Training ...students want tutor turn on TV

(Urdu Exploitation of concepts with English)
  • 10 Hour / day daily programming to supplement Schools training
  • English Training Grade 7-10 (2 hour / day)
  • Mathematics Training Grade 7-10 (2 hour / day)
  • Physics Training Grade 7-10 (2 hours / day)
  • Chemistry Training Grade 7-10 (2 hours / day)
  • Biology Training Grade 7-10 (2 hours / day)
O Level , education standard training free on national TV.

f) PTV 5 : College University Training Free in Collaboration with Pakistani Universities

First Year University Courses (General Knowledge enhancement)
  • Lectures from Universities of Pakistan
  • Lectures from College (Science Subjects)
  • Political Science
  • Libral Arts Course lectures
  • International University Open Courses


TV channels in Pakistan have become a mouth piece of political parties and its a failure of Pakistani government in general to not use this powerful medium to train local population

Local consensus has become that TV = Political Shows = Entertainment
which is a very disgraceful moment that we have no focus on education and training in Local TV content


The army does not needs a channel , the TV channels on air need to be shut down !!!!
 
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@AZADPAKISTAN2009 dear buddy
the political talks shows ARE considered as "entertainment" and have massive viewership
education, learning and knowledge be damned its all about dishing dirt and talking rubbish by outshouting the other participants.

sadly there is no turning back now, any control will be viewed as an attack on free press and right of expression. people like to see trash so the channels provide them the politicized filth.
 
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True however in our country I have seen Political shows , taking up 97% of the air time on channels.

And normally I see a trend that political parties before election times they send their "People" to these shows to stir up trouble. Half of time the shows end up as a war of words between participants. The environment and code of conduct is as interesting as conversation of a man buying vegetable in a open market and they are haggling

Its become so bad , that we now have parody shows , mocking who political leaders because we do not have "other popular figures like actors, heros , heroins, writers or charismatic leaders"

Compare that to the 60-70's programming
a) The television stations were run by a highly educated class
b) They were hired and paid salary based on their talents
c) Every region produced its annual shows quota contributing to very healthy programming structure

There was true entertainment on TV , as people did not had a need to watch shows non Pakistani in Origin

Why does the Military have a need to speak their word in front of public? The public knows the high standards of Military

Freedom of expression does not means , 100% political mouth piece for rich politicians. Also freedom of expression does not means to bad mouth a honest General like Musharraf Sahib and twist the facts.

And this kind of "freedom" I would prefer to say ... unaccountable freedom , these reporters get to report "true or false" stories and they don't weigh in on the consequence of what they are saying

Qater News Channel Al Jazira , when it applied for License to air in USA , it was not allowed to do so until it followed certain standards set forth by American Broadcast authority. And that too after a lengthy "Trial period"

The second biggest flaw is that "Poor" politicians never get any coverage.

And by now even the military now understands they also need a voice.

However the solution to all this is simple

PTV , go back to 60s-70's model and increase # of channels 7-8 National Channels.
If these open channels do not cover Military losses and bravery they have no right to remain open , just my opinon
 
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- It is a ridiculous idea (TV Channel)

- The thought to ban TV channels is even more ridiculous. All PTV channels can work along side other channels why is there a need to ban anything? Any one who wants to watch 'serious' shows can just tune in to PTV.

Plus this is the second article I've seen about a news channel looks like Pakistan military is all set to start a channel too (maybe success of Waar has something to do with it :D)
 
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The reason why Military seeks its own voice is we live in Digital Age in Past the media reported with integrity and care , and also covered bravery of Military etc.

Also the TV in past offered knowledge , general knowledge and entertainment to families and kids

That has changed however with arrival of "Political Mouth Piece Mentality" , the News channels of today are modern day Gratify on minds of people.

Every country has standard a ratio of how much content should be focused on politics , how much should be entertainment how much should be culture etc or sports.

And that balance has been lost in last 5-10 years

Political parties are rich loaded with billions (if not at least loaded with Millions) of dollars, for them its not hard to change public opinion with 2-3 month campaign of lies against anyone
 
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Just like I thought, they have already decided:

ISLAMABAD: The prestigious Green Book of the Pakistan Army that provides rare insights into its ongoing internal debates has recommended that the army must acquire a television channel for dissemination of propaganda to counter the growing penetration of Indian television channels into Pakistani society.

The unusual recommendation has been made in one of the strategy papers written for the Green Book by a serving major general of the Pakistan Army. The strategy papers written by uniformed professionals are part of a special chapter in the ‘Green Book’ titled ‘Sub-conventional Warfare’. The Green Book is published every two years by the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Pakistan Army as an internal publication which, as a matter of principle, is kept confidential from the general public.

In his foreword to the 258-page Green Book , former Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani had described it as a platform where the intellectual context of national security is crystallised. One of the strategy papers advises the Pakistani media to adopt some amusing strategies like repeating lies, running one-sided stories or publishing biased photographs to counter the Indian media during future wars [to be fought] between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.

While slamming the Pakistani media [in his strategy paper] for not countering the penetration of Indian TV and newspapers effectively, Major General Muhammad Azam Asif, who commands an infantry division of the army, has recommended that the Pakistan Army must acquire a television channel as well as a radio station to counter the Indian propaganda. Azam Asif has claimed that the Pakistani media lacks credibility among the masses due to which the general public is compelled to tune in to All India Radio, the BBC and Indian satellite channels during a period of crisis or whenever an important event takes place. Citing the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, he has stated that the primary aim of the Indian media was to defeat the enemy psychologically and disarm them morally.

The strategy paper penned for the Green Book by Major General Azam Asif has stated: “Our adversary (India) has taken big strides in acquiring media power and has been putting it to good use for her benefits. With a number of television channels and remarkable advancement in the information technology, India has attained a total electronic media supremacy over Pakistan”. Therefore, he has called for a brainstorming session between the Pakistani media and the Pakistan Army, saying if the nation is not motivated enough to withstand the aggression, it cannot aspire to preserve freedom. “In future wars, psychological operation will not be the only function which our media would be called upon to perform in the context of national security, but it would act as a bridge between the armed forces and the people.”

Many of the serving senior officers of the Pakistan Army have expressed concerns in their strategy papers [penned for the Green Book] that the Indian television and print publications [whether they are news or entertainment] are available widely across Pakistan through both legitimate means and piracy. And there is a feeling in the khaki circles that the growing penetration of the Indian television channels has demoralised the Pakistani nation to the extent that they see India as a formidable foe which cannot be defeated in war. The Green Book has even claimed that the Kargil war of 1998 was lost by Pakistan because of the relentless media barrage praising the bravery of the Indian troops, thus destroying the fighting spirit of the Pakistan Army.

While analysing Pakistan’s military defeat in the Kargil war, the Green Book has accused the Pakistani media of giving up without putting up a fight against the enemy (Indian) media invasion. On the other hand, it added, the Indian media literally created war hysteria using Indian cricketers, film actors and popular personalities to boost the morale of their troops. “Pakistan decided to withdraw from the Kargil heights due to the low morale of the troops in the face of heavy casualties and mounting international pressure. The Pakistani media simply failed to counter the Indian media invasion during the Kargil crisis. It lacked offensive posture and well-coordinated and planned themes to raise the morale of Pakistani troops and to shield them against the Indian propaganda”, the Green Book added.

In his strategy paper for the Green Book, Brigadier Umar Farooq Durrani has asserted that the Indian Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) funds many Indian newspapers and even television channels, such as Zee Television, which is considered to be its media headquarters to wage psychological war. The creation of the South Asian Free Media Association (Safma) a few years ago [in Pakistan],” Brigadier Durrani has alleged, was a step in the same direction. “The most subtle form of this psychological war is found in the Indian movies where Muslim and Hindu friendship is screened against the backdrop of melodrama.

“Indian soaps and movies are readily welcomed in most households in Pakistan. The desired result to be achieved is to undermine the Two Nation Theory”, the Brigadier has further written.

However, when comments were sought on the proposal [contained in the Green Book] that the Pakistani Army must acquire a television channel to counter the growing penetration of Indian television channels, an army official said while requesting anonymity that the Green Book does not necessarily represent the official viewpoint of the institution of the army. When reminded that the Green Book is considered the strategic manual of the Pakistani armed forces, the khaki official said that the articles written for a special chapter titled ‘Sub-conventional Warfare’ actually represent personal views of army officers.

It was in January 2013 that the media had reported that the Pakistani military has introduced a paradigm shift in its doctrinal manual to include a chapter identifying internal insurgent forces as the primary national security threat while recognising homegrown jehadis as the biggest threat to the national security — bigger than India.

Source: ‘Pak Army must acquire a TV channel’, advises Green Book - thenews.com.pk

The reason why Military seeks its own voice is we live in Digital Age in Past the media reported with integrity and care , and also covered bravery of Military etc.

Also the TV in past offered knowledge , general knowledge and entertainment to families and kids

That has changed however with arrival of "Political Mouth Piece Mentality" , the News channels of today are modern day Gratify on minds of people.

Every country has standard a ratio of how much content should be focused on politics , how much should be entertainment how much should be culture etc or sports.

And that balance has been lost in last 5-10 years

Political parties are rich loaded with billions (if not at least loaded with Millions) of dollars, for them its not hard to change public opinion with 2-3 month campaign of lies against anyone

- When Army has been meddling in politics for most part of Pakistan history you really can't blame the media.

- There is simply no ratio on private channels anywhere in the world, North Korea might be an exception. Perhaps you can link something in this regard.

- Are you suggesting that political parties conducted campaigns of lies against Military?
 
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US army has its own tv channel. Why not Pakistani army, but it can be two edge sword. Army should be extremely careful using media weapon, because already too many tv channel will raise their ears and might join hand to counter this new media front. But US military media adopt a very careful posture and keep away from traditional news and talk show outlets.
 
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Well I think right now the danger is foreign powers to influence general public opinion using these rouge TV stations running from UAE
 
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Well I think right now the danger is foreign powers to influence general public opinion using these rouge TV stations running from UAE
Unfortunately , its time for Pakistani govt counter these arabs states, who are giving refuge to such people and ideas. These people were previously involved in Baluchistan uprising.
 
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I am wondering if @Aeronaut will ask the tax question? that one has been cracking me up for quite a few threads....
 
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Pakistani Airwaves have been used against Pakistani Institutes in recent time
Its a strategic influencing agent and sadly too many people have opened these Private Entities
and later sold the rights to "Talk Shows" to certain political Parties who help spread certain views in a coordinated manner in order to effect public opinion.

There has to be a "STRONG" moral aspect of reporting on National Level outlets.

> The reporters and Senior Editors should be held responsible for checking the source and proof
prior to allowing certain news/stories run on National Airways.

> There should be freedom to report , however the sources should be "CREDIBLE" this is the whole
basis of journalistic reporting

Also channels should be help accountable for "Producing Shows cultural, music, drama , children shows , trivia , general knowledge" on what basis can they have right to influence mind of people if its just a
propaganda outlet.

The simplest Model is to revert back to 60's and 70's programming model however having 6-7 PTV channels.

Free Reporting should be allowed , however with "CREDIBLE source" and during elections the reporting should be "equally focused on all parties"

Would Saudia Arabia or UAE agree Pakistan setup a channel that talks bad about Royal Families ? or their Armed forces? Or start political Unrest in Pakistan ?

The rouge stations are simple persuing the policy of "Fire Starter politics"
they take an issue and inflame it to point where the bounds of truth and fable disapper"

There has to be a reasonable check / balance.

If Armed forces feel that they are not being represented we have a serious issue


There should be a law , where selected Indian Programming also should be allowed on Pakistani Channels (Buy purchase of rights) no direct broadcasting directly from Indian channel into Pakistani homes


I mean when we look at YouTube we still see a lively Pakistani , people waking up going to work , children going to school people playing cricket outside, and life going on , however these rouge channels have been spreading some serious propaganda on Security situation and blowing thing 10000% more then what the situation is in reality , and Military and forces have to get credit for stabilizing things
 
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Kargil may be the only exception though both sides offer conflicting arguments. The present combat involvement of the army in the fight against militancy has the backing of successive military and political governments.

Are you aware of the exception that Pakistan has been ruled by Generals for most of the time which is why we are so ignorant and backward.



The ‘Aman ki Asha’ media campaign indicates that the cultural values on which this country was established and the military is sworn to defend is a thing of the past and no longer sustainable.

What do you suggest otherwise? Keep hating India so we can keep our nation as ignorant as possible by not spending on education and where money of a poor and ignorant nation should go.
"Military is sworn" does not mean anything. These words are used by vested interests to evoke emotions.

You seem to support misdaventures like Mumbai bombings as an alternative.

As history tells, Army backs militancy and then repudiates and starts fighting against the same people they backed. Good to keep you busy and continue to use armor on alive humans that would otherwise never be used.

Military has to be very strictly under control of ministry of defence.
 
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Pakistan needs to turn off all the extra channels on Air in Pakistan

a) They don't provide entertainment i.e educational , informative, fun programming
b) Most are mouth piece of Political Parties
c) There is 99% focus on politics and 0.05% focus on entertainment

No Cartoon
No Children Education and Programming for 2 hours daily needs for kids
No Education Shows
No General Knowledge Shows
No Documentaries on Nature
No English Training Courses
No Dramas (Funded and run by Professional graduates)
No Agricultural Education Programming
No Tourism focus shows

The Channels do not purchase sports rights or promote local sports events
like Boxing , Wrestling , Athletics , Tennis , Basketball etc there is no sponsorship of sports by thee channels. Also there is no coverage of any Leadership shows

Therefore , Pakistan should seriously consider going back to 60's - 70's format of Television PTV style and hire Actors and maintain a pool of Actor and Artist

There is lack of Journalistic accountability , news is published with out sources or credible source or proof and that is a problem.

There has to be a BAN on unnecessary News Channels , specially ones that are broadcasting from UAE, international channels should not be allowed to broadcast anything on Pakistani air , just like in USA no channel can appear on local Cable unless "they get approval from local government'


Pakistan should have Licences for 5 TV Channels only

a) PTV News/ Headlines
  • News Local 10%
  • News International 10%
  • Live Correspondent Reporting on Local Stories 50%
  • Business Shows 20%, Inform people on expos and events in Cities
  • 10% sports news

b) PTV 1 General Entertainment
  • Dramas
  • Children Education
  • Cartoons
  • Education Trivia Shows
  • International Programming
  • Live Sporting Events (Foot ball, Cricket , Hockey)
  • Classical Music
  • Business Coverage

c) PTV 2: Youth TV
  • Live Local Sporting Events
  • English Education Training Programs
  • Education Shows for Grade 6- Grade 9 students
  • Music Shows Youth
  • Trivia Shows
  • Pakistan Cricket League Highlights
  • Business Coverage

d) PTV 3: Cultural Channel

  • Stage Dramas
  • Cinema / Entertainment Review in City
  • Tourism based shows
  • International Documentaries (Africa , South Africa , Asia)
  • Scientific Shows
  • Cultural Music (Sindhi , Punjabi , Baluoch , Pakhtoon)
  • Business Coverage


e) PTV 4 : High School Training ...students want tutor turn on TV

(Urdu Exploitation of concepts with English)
  • 10 Hour / day daily programming to supplement Schools training
  • English Training Grade 7-10 (2 hour / day)
  • Mathematics Training Grade 7-10 (2 hour / day)
  • Physics Training Grade 7-10 (2 hours / day)
  • Chemistry Training Grade 7-10 (2 hours / day)
  • Biology Training Grade 7-10 (2 hours / day)
O Level , education standard training free on national TV.

f) PTV 5 : College University Training Free in Collaboration with Pakistani Universities

First Year University Courses (General Knowledge enhancement)
  • Lectures from Universities of Pakistan
  • Lectures from College (Science Subjects)
  • Political Science
  • Libral Arts Course lectures
  • International University Open Courses


TV channels in Pakistan have become a mouth piece of political parties and its a failure of Pakistani government in general to not use this powerful medium to train local population

Local consensus has become that TV = Political Shows = Entertainment
which is a very disgraceful moment that we have no focus on education and training in Local TV content


The army does not needs a channel , the TV channels on air need to be shut down !!!!
brother , (-xCeLLenT analytical Explanation about this "ghaddar media mafia" in PakisTan :pakistan:... :coffee:
 
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As if the existing channels are not for the army...
Knowingly or unknowingly, almost all the pakistani channels support army....
With the gems like ZH...
 
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