Keeping secrets while spilling the beans — at the expense of national cohesion

The reported calls and meetings between the former Army chief and journalists while making some towering claims, damning confessions and startling revelations, raise concerns about the underlying motives for such interactions. One question that arises is whether the information shared with journalists is meant to serve a truthful purpose or to manipulate them for certain tactical advantages. The informal nature of these interactions makes them particularly susceptible to shaping narratives and spreading disinformation. The act of using journalists' "inherent lust for information" suggests an understanding of the power dynamics between those in positions of authority and those seeking information (for whatever purposes).

The manipulation of narratives through such interactions is not a new phenomenon, it has been practiced since ever. It is causing serious consequences for democracy and has destroyed public trust in institutions. The cultivation of information, misinformation and disinformation has led to a situation where public discourse is influenced by falsehood, furthering political agendas, division and polarization. The role of journalists in such situations is crucial, as they are expected to report the truth to the public and act as watchdogs on those in power. However, they are also susceptible to manipulation by those seeking to shape narratives or disseminate disinformation.

In this particular case, the individuals in question, Bajwa and Khan, are accused of lying to their teeth to journalists to advance their personal agenda and motives. The acts of lying to journalists, the journalists being de facto spox of politicians and political parties have already damaged the credibility of the journalists in particular and the media in general. The ultimate loss is using media as a tool to communicate with the public for the greater good. This must stop —  this act of madness, at the expense of national cohesion, must stop now before it is too late.

Hassan Saleem Awan

February 14, 2023