The Interplay of Media and Political Islam in Pakistan: A Critical Evaluation of Farooq A. Kperogi’s Book

Abstract

This paper critically evaluates Farooq A. Kperogi’s book, “Media and the Politics of Islamization in Pakistan”, within the context of the interplay of media and political Islam in Pakistan. Using a comprehensive analysis of Kperogi’s arguments and evidence, the paper offers a nuanced critique of the book’s approach to the complex relationship between media and political Islam in Pakistan. Drawing on a range of historical and contemporary sources, the paper examines the role of media in the rise and consolidation of political Islam in Pakistan, including the role of religious political parties and militant groups in shaping public opinion and political discourse. It also explores the ways in which media outlets and journalists have been co-opted by political Islamists for their own agendas, as well as the challenges faced by independent media and secular voices in this context.

Overall, the paper argues that while Kperogi’s book offers important insights into the interplay of media and political Islam in Pakistan, it is ultimately limited by its narrow focus on certain aspects of this complex relationship. By offering a more nuanced and comprehensive analysis, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by the interplay of media and political Islam in Pakistan.