Meer Hazar Mazari
Recently, the U.S.A senate Judiciary Committee held bigwigs of different tech companies harmful use of their respective platforms. The social media platforms are being used for the exploitation of people. Online child sexual exploitation crisis through these platforms are beyond America. It is a serious crisis in internationally, but being discussed only for American citizens who have been victamised by these platforms through different ways.
On 31, January 2024, Jason Citron, CEO of Discord; Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap; Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok; Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X; and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, were presented there. The US lawmakers made some harsh observations. Even, one of the senior Republican senator Lindsey Graham indicated to the group of tech giants that , “you have blood on your hands”. Even though, the CEO’s of Meta and Snap publicly apologized to the families of victim.
Perhaps, It is true that these tech companies have not any purpose to harm people but in a way these social media platforms are being used are inevitable to address. For the solution of this consequential crisis we need international obligations for tech companies. They are making billions of dollars relentlessly without significant obligation and responsibility. Nevertheless, they should be held accountable.
On the other hand, in case of Pakistan, one could not imagine that a business tycoon or influential billionaire would be accountable like American bigwigs. Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, more than popular amongst masses, Imran khan is under investigation in “Al-Qadir Trust Case”. This case is related to Pakistan’s top businessman Malik Riaz. It has been reported that Imran Khan’s administration facilitated him to adjust his £190 million black money into the supreme court’s account. Unfortunately, business mogul Malik Riaz did not summon by any authority in this case. How much he has power, the masses can idea. Is it fair enough to only convict Imran Khan or other political leaders? This is our accountability system, which even has not courage to summon a Businessman. He is the man who dispossessed thousands of people from their residential Katchhi Abadis.
There is nothing seems to be transparent in our justice system. Youth is frustrated and outraged. Recent Baloch women sit-in in Islamabad which mobilized thousands of people across Pakistan could not addressed by the State apparatus. Another, mass movement in Gilgit Baltistan in wheat prices caught the voice of thousands. Even, the government had to assure them that the wheat would be given them on previous prices. The Pasthoon youth of the country is resentment because their popular youth leader Manzoor pashteen is under detention.
Besides all above, a new wave of terrorism has shaken the country. On the night of 29 January 2024, Baloch separatists attacked in Mach Jail and deadly firing exchange took place at Bolan is another surge in insurgency. The elections are expected to be held on February 8, 2024. This re-escalation in terrorism spread an actual fear among the masses. A blast in Sibi during PTI rally is another piece of evidence of a surge in terrorism.
An independent-PTI candidate named Rehan Zaib has been brutally killed along with four others in his constituency which outraged local people. Thousands of his supporters stormed to near military containment. If any worst happens whether in Punjab or other provinces, why people first reacted to security forces? It is more than a serious question needs to be addressed in peaceful manners. Those who have authority and power need to think because at least “coercion” is not the solution at this juncture.
We are also facing Foreign and economic challenges as well. The recent standoff with Iran suddenly raised the eyebrows of many. Fortunately, it has been settled down diplomatically. But, Pakistan payed off through nine labourers who has been working in Sistan-Baluchistan of Iran and shot dead there after Pakistan’s attack into the Iranian territory.
Anyhow, will a new (A) democratic setup able to address grievances of the masses. Is it possible that the new government will survive for next five years after the elections. PTI already sidelined to pave way for PML (N) and other political parties. In 2018, PML (N) was not provided a level playing field and Imran khan khan’s PTI could not survive five year term. How can be it possible that the next government will survive or address entire problems of Pakistan without engaging with the largest political party which has been forcefully dismantled to exist.
The Writer is Islamabad-Based Researcher and an MPhil scholar from Quaid e Azam University, Islamabad.
