If only we could have steered such dedicated energies in more constructive directions, our accomplishments would have been more material
KARACHI, Dec 30 (TNS): Nearly half of the total Pakistani population has access to internet.
According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), there are 47 million 3G/4G subscribers, 50 million broadband subscribers and 3 million fixed local line subscribers registered with the authority.
Taking a glance at the year that has passed, it seems like two-thirds of the Pakistani population on social media comprises haters. Nothing less, nothing more: expressive, fearless haters.
Hate seems to be the only lubricant oiling the social media machine in Pakistan. Be it Twitter or Facebook, rarely do we come across debates surrounding ideas. Instead, in Pakistan, our debates revolve around hate alone.
By now, we are all well aware of the mechanism – the target is identified for their dissenting views, accorded labels ranging from atheist and traitor to enemy, liar and agent, and is shamed. All this time and effort is just to bash the ‘other’ view. If only we could have steered such dedicated energies in more constructive directions, our accomplishments would have been more material.
Let’s remind ourselves of the times we saw time being wasted in these hate campaigns throughout 2017.
Perhaps the most heated discussions (smear campaigns) of this year took place when filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy called out her sister’s doctor for harassment. The doctor had attempted to befriend her on Facebook. Pakistani social media users could no more contain their hate. After all, Sharmeen did overreact. All of us have been to the ER and it is completely okay for the doc to ask you to be friends with him. You know, just for hangouts and all.
