Media and Religious Extremism: A Case Study of Mullah Radio in Swat, Pakistan

Abstract

Influencing the citizenry through emotional and personal belief systems as a tactical weapon by the extremists through media clickbait has been effective globally during this post-truth era. The “Mullah Radio,” an FM radio entity, branded and regulated by the Taliban militants to advance their violent religious ideology during their insurgency in 2007-09 in Swat valley of Pakistan is one such manifestation. It was the time when mainstream media was entangled in the crossfire of Taliban militancy, security operations and professional obligations in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Against the backdrop of deteriorated socio-economic conditions and lack of media regulations, the “Mullah Radio” found the strength to propagate fear, threat and violence not only against the state of Pakistan but also against the public. Seemingly, the mainstream media practised self-censorship due to intense pressure as many journalists, covering the militant insurgency in Swat, either suffered from fear psychosis or fell victim to Taliban violence. Against the above backdrop, the current chapter attempts to explore the factors behind the rise and popularity of this “Mullah Radio” outlet as well as the role of mainstream media in covering the Taliban insurgency leading to violence in the post-truth era.