The media of Pakistan: Fostering inclusion in a fragile democracy? Policy Briefing No. 9

Abstract

The 2013 elections provided the people of Pakistan with an all-too-rare opportunity to shape their own destiny. Politics, economics and society are changing rapidly in Pakistan, and with them the prospects for development of the country. A media that has been transformed in a little over a decade has constituted a major part of this change. This briefing shows how a changing media landscape in Pakistan is increasingly giving voice to populations historically excluded from the public sphere, even amid ongoing political, security and economic constraints. Conclusions • The proliferation of independent, privately-owned broadcast media outlets has been a crucial part of Pakistan’s democratic transition. • Regional media and social media, in particular, have allowed for far greater representation and inclusion. • But the media remains vulnerable to political influence, security threats and a limited financial base