Building a false narrative

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TH E use of propaganda in movies is not a new concept It has been used by filmmakers for decades to create a narrative that aligns with their beliefs or political agenda One of the most controversial topics that have been used for propaganda purposes is Pakistan s nuclear weapons program Bollywood and Hollywood’s movies have been used to propagate a negative image of Pakistan’s nuclear weapon program This essay will explore the use of propaganda against Pakistan s nuclear weapons in Bollywood and Hollywood movies, the impact it has on the perception of Pakistan, and the historical context of Pakistan’s nuclear weapon program Pakistan’s nuclear weapon program started in 1972 after India’s nuclear test in 1974 The program was initiated to counter India s nuclear threat In 1998 Pakistan conducted nuclear tests and became the seventh-nuclear power in the world The nuclear weapon program gave Pakistan leverage in the region and ensured its security However, the program was met with criticism from the international community especially the United States Bollywood and Hollywood s movies have played a significant role in portraying Pakistan s nuclear weapon program in a negative light One of the most notable movies is The Sum of All Fears,’ directed by Phil Alden Robinson, which depicts a terrorist group acquiring a nuclear weapon from Pakistan There are some examples of Bollywood and Hollywood movies that feature propaganda against Pakistan s nuclear weapons, but they are limited Mission Majnu, a Netflix action flick, has glaring factual inconsistencies despite its claim of being based on real-life incidents and is considered by many in Pakistan as a propaganda film GI Joe 2 is another instance of propaganda against Pakistan as the movie shows that jihadis are so empow-

The use of propaganda in movies has a significant impact on the perception of PakistanÊs nuclear weapon program

The negative portrayal of PakistanÊs nuclear weapon program in movies creates fear and anxiety among the international community.

2, Phantom, Raazi, and Uri: The Surgical Strike are Bollywood movies that continue the tradition of painting Pakistan and its government as hostile and dangerous and its people without necessary empathy often employing Islam as a device to paint Pakistan s nuclear weapons as a threat to global peace However, it is important to note that these movies are not representative of the entire Bollywood and Hollywood industries and should not be taken as a reflection of the views of the entire population

The movie perpetuates the stereotype that Pakistan s nuclear weapon program is not secure and can easily fall into the wrong hands

Another movie is Phantom, directed by Kabir Khan, which portrays Pakistan as a terrorist state that sponsors terrorism and has a secret nuclear program The movie reinforces the narrative that Pakistan s nuclear weapon program is a threat to world peace

The use of propaganda in movies has a significant impact on the perception of Pakistan s nuclear weapon program The negative portrayal of Pakistan’s nuclear weapon program in movies creates fear and anxiety among the international community It reinforces the narrative that Pakistan is a rogue state that cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons The negative perception of Pakistan s nuclear weapon program has led to increased scrutiny and pressure from the international community to disarm

However, it is important to note that Pakistan’s nuclear weapon program is a result of India s nuclear threat The program was initiated to ensure Pakistan s security and deter India s aggression Pakistan s nuclear weapon program is a defensive measure, and it has been used responsibly Pakistan has not used its nuclear weapon program for offensive purposes, and it has maintained a policy of minimum deterrence The negative perception of Pakistan s nuclear weapon program has led to increased scrutiny and pres- as a baby till the time one dies, there is a relentless barrage of silliness flying around in all directions some of which is bound to stick to the psyche The result if one is not constantly on the lookout for clutter is an extremely unholy mixture of some sound ideas and a lot of nonsense Cherished and long-held views are notoriously difficult to abandon in favour of new ones It is an unfortunate human trait to regard familiar ideas as reasonable no matter how silly they may be Unfamiliar ideas on the other hand, no matter how sound they are appear to make very little sense especially when they are first encountered The familiar beliefs imbibed at the knee of one s parents are especially hard to reconsider objectively owing to all the emotions involved Emotion (or passion) has great utility when it comes to being true to one s principles in the face of adversity But they have zero value when it comes to arriving at those principles In fact they are extremely detrimental to that process Getting rid of the clutter everybody (to a lesser or greater degree) accumulates over the years, then, is no piece of cake What makes it an even more onerous task is the fact that notwithstanding the analogies frequently pressed into service eyes and ears are no cameras or microphones For what is already in the mind regulates what new data goes in In other words, what one already believes on any given issue controls what fresh evidence is admitted into the thought process This makes correcting the course even more difficult than it otherwise would be This is not to say that the task is impossible; but it calls for relentless vigilance and a spirit of inflexible and lifelong adherence to the truth

There are two distinct domains of knowledg e

When it comes to moral and philosophical questions, one must refer to the Quran for definitive answers No traditional answer, politically correct view or urban leg end matters if it is against the verdict of the Quran If, on the other hand, it is a question about an empirical matter, it is science that will decide the issue . In neither case is there any room for folklore or old-wivesÊ-tales.

There are two distinct domains of knowledge When it comes to moral and philosophical questions, one must refer to the Quran for definitive answers No traditional answer politically correct view or urban legend matters if it is against the verdict of the Quran If on the other hand, it is a question about an empirical matter, it is science that will decide the issue In neither case is there any room for folklore or old-wives’tales Returning to the best of creation question the Quran paints a very different picture to the myth generally believed Regarding our second issue, according to science, drinking dark tea makes your skin no darker than eating blueberry yogurt makes it blue We love our dear aunts and grandmas to death but their views on such subjects usually amount to little more than very charming baloney

The author is a connoisseur of music literature and food (but not drinks) He can be reached at www facebook com/hasanaftabsaeed

E d i t o r ’ s m a i l

S e n d y o u r l e t t e r s t o : L e t t e r s t o E d i t o r Pakistan Today 4 - S h a a re y F a t i m a J i n n a h L a h o re P a k i s t a n E - m a i l : l e t t e r s @ p a k i s t a n t o d a y c o m p k L e t t e r s s h o u l d b e a d d re s s e d t o Pakistan Today e x c l u s i v e l y sure from the international community to disarm

Some ways that Pakistan can counter any negative propaganda against its nuclear weapons:

Use social media platforms to promote positive messages about Pakistan’s nuclear program This can include sharing factual information about the safety and security measures in place as well as highlighting the benefits of having a nuclear deterrent Engage with international media outlets to provide accurate information about Pakistan s nuclear program This can involve inviting journalists to visit nuclear facilities and providing them with access to experts who can answer their questions

Develop a comprehensive public relations strategy that includes outreach to key stakeholders such as policymakers academics and think tanks This can involve hosting events and conferences to promote dialogue and understanding about Pakistan’s nuclear program Foster partnerships with other countries that have nuclear programs to share best practices and promote international cooperation on nuclear issues

Encourage the development of a strong domestic film industry that can produce movies and TV shows that promote positive messages about Pakistan’s nuclear program and its role in global security It is important to note that any efforts to counter negative propaganda should be based on factual information and should avoid engaging in propaganda or misinformation campaigns

In conclusion, the use of propaganda against Pakistan s nuclear weapon program in Bollywood and Hollywood movies is a result of the political agenda of the filmmakers However it is important to understand the historical context of Pakistan s nuclear weapon program and its defensive nature The international community should recognize Pakistan s right to selfdefense and work towards creating a peaceful and stable region

The author holds an MPhil degree in International Relations from Quaid I Azam University Islamabad

Manufacturing can boost the economy

I N D U S T R I E S have a significant role in enhancing a country’s economic development Other than the agriculture sector, there are mainly two key sectors in the national economy; manufacturing and services The manufacturing sector is the one through which a factory manufactures and develops a range of products

In contrast the services sector comprises areas such as construction healthcare, technical support, consultancy, and so on The problem with Pakistan is that the country has moved to the services sector directly from the agriculture sector, leaving the industrial sector by the roadside In the 1960s, Pakistan was known as an agricultural economy and our means of production were directly and indirectly dependent on agricultural derivatives However in recent times the country is known to have a flourishing services sector The problem with such a quick shift towards the services sector is that Pakistan has ignored the backbone of the industry; the manufacturing sector Manufacturing is not only the backbone of the industrial sector, but is a good source to increase the economic size of a country by producing more and more goods The focus on increasing exports means nothing if we are not manufacturing anything worthwhile to export That explains why we have become dependent on imports The automobile sector can present a practical example A major chunk of automobile parts comes via import because there is no industry in Pakistan that can fabricate those parts here That is one of the major issues in the national economy, and it is making us dependent on import-based goods that are expensive to afford and takes away a major chunk of our foreign reserves

To bridge the gap Pakistan must take steps towards developing its manufacturing sector for products that have a higher demand in the world In the present situation Pakistan can achieve that by developing say the semiconductor chip industry Semiconductor chips are in high demand globally Almost all industries, from those producing cellphones to those dealing in fighter jets, needs these chips to run on Therefore, the demand for semiconductor chips is increasing by the day Countries, such as the United States China India and Taiwan are already working to achieve dominance in chip manufacturing This demonstrates how significant the chips are in the world today To develop the semiconductor chip industry Pakistan needs infrastructure and expertise in this domain China can provide expertise to help Pakistan establish this particular industry By seeking assistance from Chinese companies, Pakistan can surely become a chip manufacturer It will also help Pakistan and China to strengthen their bilateral relations Additionally new sectors will also emerge that will create jobs and we will be able to reduce unemployment

ADNAN HUSSAIN SOLANGI SEHWAN SHARIF

Post-graduation woes

P O S T-G R A D U AT I O N training in the field of medical sciences comprises four to five years of fellowship mandatory for a doctor to be qualified as a consultant physician or surgeon A fresh post-graduate candidate is enthusiastic about serving the larger humanity but is subjected to inhuman treatment by the medical community itself It is a routine affair for postgraduate trainee doctors to be insulted by seniors and consultants during their training Every post-graduate has to face questions and comments that are uncalled-for toxic and border on outright taunts Despite being qualified and passionate post-graduate trainee doctors face constant trauma insults anxiety deception frustration and much more Practically speaking postgraduates recede into a shell and are reluctant to take immediate and confident measures Even those who are helpful in their own ways advise the trainees to keep a low profile and to be on the safe side; whatever it means The noble profession of medicine clearly needs brushing up Everyone in the medical profession needs to understand that post-graduate trainee doctors too are humans It is not too hard to act accordingly DR RUQAIYA SARWAR