The Impact of Radio on Peacebuilding and Countering Extremism in War Effect Area of Pakistan

Abstract

The tribal areas of Pakistan have historically been plagued by conflict, extremism, and limited access to information and communication. Militants have historically used illegal FM radio stations to spread propaganda and extort funding, highlighting the need for legitimate radio stations to counter these efforts. The tribal belt faces numerous challenges, including a lack of infrastructure, as well as agricultural, educational, health, and shelter-related issues. Establishing new FM radio stations in these areas presents a unique opportunity to promote intercultural dialogue, challenge violent ideologies, and promote alternative narratives for peace. Approximately 70 percent of the population in tribal districts rely on radio as their primary source of news and entertainment. The new radio stations communicate state narratives, educate locals on the legal system and their rights as citizens, and address various social issues. This study is designed to determine the role of those radio stations in Peacebuilding and Countering Extremism in the affected Areas of Pakistan. The Scholar used qualitative methods to gather in-depth insights from stakeholders and measure the impact of FM radio stations. The data were collected by using in-depth interviews with the station managers (n=15), program producers, and presenters of the radio stations regarding the aim and objective of the radio stations and details of the radio programs broadcasted in the daily transmission. The participants were selected by using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data, i.e., interviews. The data is examined through the lens of the agenda-sitting Theory. It is concluded that there are differently designed radio programs about Health, education, women empowerment, agriculture, and development. There are also some special programs regarding social cohesion, Peacebuilding, and Countering Extremism in the affected Areas of Pakistan.