News silos refer to the selective presentation of information that reinforces specific ideological leanings, often at the cost of balanced reporting. In Pakistan, these silos have significantly influenced the media landscape, particularly by shaping public opinion in favor of Imran Khan and his PTI party. Key journalists and media figures amplify Khan’s narrative, portraying him as a champion against corruption and a victim of systemic injustices, while systematically downplaying criticisms of his tenure. The unchecked spread of such partisan media practices poses a grave threat to democracy, trust in institutions, and balanced public debate.
Journalists like Imran Riaz Khan, and Moeed Pirzada have been pivotal in advancing the pro-Imran Khan narrative. These influential figures utilize their platforms to highlight Khan’s purported fight against corruption, his claims of foreign conspiracies, and his image as a savior of Pakistan’s sovereignty. Biased investigative style often frames Khan as a victim of orchestrated schemes by the state’s powerful institutions, while Imran Riaz Khan employs a more combative tone, echoing Khan’s rhetoric about an “imported government” and labeling the current administration as illegitimate. Moeed Pirzada provides intellectual weight to this narrative, carefully presenting arguments that lend credibility to the PTI’s positions. Their collective efforts ensure that Khan is portrayed as a leader wronged by an unjust system, a narrative that resonates deeply with his supporters.
The media’s approach to covering Khan is not accidental; it thrives on Pakistan’s deeply polarized media environment. Certain outlets deliberately tailor their content to reflect PTI’s ideology, amplifying Khan’s statements while ignoring or downplaying valid criticisms of his tenure. For instance, during his time as Prime Minister, key issues such as economic mismanagement, growing inflation, and a lack of cohesive governance were seldom scrutinized by pro-Khan journalists. Instead, their focus remained on his anti-corruption rhetoric and his self-styled role as a disruptor of the status quo.
This media alignment has further been amplified by social media platforms, which act as echo chambers for partisan narratives. Platforms like Twitter and YouTube are flooded with content favoring Khan, often propagated by coordinated campaigns. Viral hashtags such as #ImportedGovernment and #JusticeForImran have not only trended frequently but also shaped public perceptions, painting the current government as corrupt and illegitimate. These campaigns, driven by PTI loyalists and amplified by journalists like Sami Ibrahim and Sabir Shakir, have ensured that Khan’s image as a political martyr remains unshaken in the eyes of his supporters.
While this strategy effectively galvanizes Khan’s base, it comes at a significant cost. The current government has become the primary target of this siloed reporting and digital activism. Critical policy initiatives and governance efforts are overshadowed by an overwhelming narrative of failure and betrayal. For example, government programs aimed at economic stabilization and international diplomacy are often dismissed as ineffective or framed as concessions to foreign powers. This unrelenting media scrutiny leaves little room for balanced reporting, where both achievements and failures can be examined with objectivity.
The implications of this media polarization are profound. First, it erodes public trust in journalism itself. Audiences increasingly view media outlets not as impartial sources of information but as tools of political manipulation. This perception undermines the credibility of journalists and news organizations, reducing their ability to function as watchdogs of democracy. Second, the dominance of partisan narratives fosters political polarization, deepening divisions between opposing factions and reducing the likelihood of constructive dialogue. Citizens, exposed only to information that aligns with their beliefs, become entrenched in their positions, leading to a fragmented society.
The unchecked spread of disinformation poses significant challenges to the Pakistan government’s ability to govern effectively and communicate its initiatives. As detailed in the “Countering Disinformation in Pakistan” report, the country’s information landscape is riddled with manipulated narratives, false claims, and sensationalist content. Pro-Imran Khan media figures frequently amplify unverified allegations against the government, creating a skewed perception that undermines its credibility. Independent fact-checking organizations, such as Soch Fact Check, have struggled to counter this tide in a media ecosystem that prioritizes sensationalism over factual accuracy.
Government efforts, such as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s fact-checking initiatives, have faced disbelief and are often dismissed as state propaganda. This perception further weakens their impact, leaving the government at a disadvantage in shaping public discourse. Additionally, the government’s responses to disinformation tend to be reactive, allowing misleading narratives to spread unchecked before countermeasures are put in place. This reactive approach underscores the need for a more proactive, strategic framework to address the pervasive influence of disinformation in Pakistan’s media landscape.
To address the pervasive influence of news silos, significant reforms are needed within Pakistan’s media ecosystem. Independent fact-checking organizations must be empowered with resources and institutional support to challenge misinformation effectively. Additionally, media literacy campaigns should be prioritized to educate the public on identifying biased content and diversifying their sources of information. Journalists themselves must take greater responsibility for upholding the principles of accuracy and impartiality, resisting the lure of sensationalism and partisan agendas.
Encouraging balanced reporting, however, requires more than individual efforts. Media organizations must invest in training programs to equip journalists with the tools to critically evaluate information and avoid falling prey to ideological biases. Moreover, social media platforms must play a more active role in curbing the spread of coordinated disinformation campaigns.
is a researcher and an analyst with expertise in foreign affairs, strategic insights, and policy impact. She offers in-depth analysis to drive informed decisions and meaningful discourse