A number of unlicensed FM radio stations are airing broadcasts in the Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency which may provoke sectarian clashes among locals, Daily Times has learnt. Sources told Daily Times that the first FM radio station was established in October 2003 by a religious organisation, Amer Bilmaroof Wanahi Anilmunkar (ABWA), which aims at implementing the Sharia in the Qamber Khel tribe. The ABWA radio used to air translation of the Holy Quran. Later, cracks appeared between ABWA and the Sheikhmal Khel tribe, a sub-tribe of Qamber Khel, over some religious matters which resulted in a fiery clash between the two groups. The clash lasted for two months leaving 10 people dead and dozens injured. The Sheikhmal Khel tribe set up its own radio station to counter the propaganda war of its rival organisation. Both groups are now engaged in the 'media war' by airing controversies against each other which may trigger sectarian conflict. According to a survey, five FM radio stations have been established in Bara in one year. Two stations have been established in the area of the Malikdin Khel tribe and one at Tarkho Kass, which also comes in the jurisdiction of Qamber Khel tribe.
Various religious factions are operating these stations to propagate their brand of Islam by preach their own viewpoints and mocking others. The political administration seems to be mesmerised by the broadcast as it has not taken any action against these radio stations. Although they had served notices to the organisations to stop their transmission, due to heavy pressure from the tribesmen, they did not act upon their decision, an official told Daily Times. These radio stations are also violating the rules and regulations of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). According to the PEMRA regulations, a person transmitting radio programmes without having a license may be subjected to a fine of up to Rs 1 million or imprisonment of up to four years or both. Some locals told Daily Times that these radio stations should not be stopped as they were performing a "sacred mission of preaching Islam". |
