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There are three types of freedom. The first kind of freedom is “freedom from,” a freedom from the constraints of society. Second, is “freedom to,” a freedom to do what we want to do. Thirdly, there is “freedom to be,” a freedom, not just to do what we want, but a freedom to be who we were meant to be. That was the bases of Pakistan movement and reason for our independence in 1947.

Still when people talk about freedom and democracy, they often trace the lineage of both back 2,000 years to the rocky shores of Greece or to the Senate of Rome. However, the freedom they had in the ancient world was a bit different than what we have today. Recent studies on the internet and political activism have highlighted the significant role of digital media in shaping diverse forms of political participation and mobilizing large-scale social protests around the world.

The new media environment is dynamic and continues to develop in novel, sometimes unanticipated, ways that have serious consequences for democratic governance and politics. New media have radically altered the way that government institutions operate, the way that political leaders communicate, the manner in which elections are contested, and citizen engagement.

Earlier in 2008, a group of young self motivated people came together and started using the new media to spread the message of Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan during his struggling phase as a politician. In those days main stream media was not giving Pakistan tehreek e Insaf (PTI) coverage as compared to the other old political parties. During those days new media was used by people just for entertainment or networking purposes. Slowly but steadily these young motivated people on their own started politicizing new media with Imran Khan’shan’s messages and activities. PTI was mocked and called a Facebook party etc. It wasn’t easy … I am telling you.

With the help of digital media, PTI’s content spread quickly without expending a significant amount of time, money and physical effort, which enables these digital media activists to easily pursue their communication goals through different activities online. Slowly, it became an integral part of every individual citizens’ political life as a growing number of people around the world and in Pakistan now use digital media technologies for information and communication. Collectively, to coordinate and mobilize like-minded individuals. 

Then came 2011 and to everyone’s surprise, PTI became the third most popular party on the canvas of Pakistan’s political landscape. On 30th Oct 2011, world witnessed the educated, silent majority of Pakistan standing in the ground of Minar-e-Pakistan with a vision to see prosperous and strong country under the honest and sincere leadership of Imran Khan. Those 25 young individuals became 100, 400 and we are still counting. Day by day many inspired young people joined the group.

 Imran Khan became Prime Minister in August 2018 when PTI formed a coalition government, having emerged from the general elections as the largest party in the National Assembly.

Ever since, opposition parties continued to challenge Imran Khan’s legitimacy as prime minister, claiming he had been “selected” by the army. Opposition made numerous efforts to destabilize the government through protests, long march, Vote of confidence and now recently vote of no confidence, which was an extranational interference proven legitimate by our highest security institutions.

Ever since the former Prime Minister Imran Khan was swept from power by a no-confidence vote, a hashtag #امپورٹڈ_حکومت_نامنظور  which translates to “Imported government unacceptable”, began trending, and refused to budge from the top trends on Pakistan’s Twitter. Right now it has 7.9 million organic tweets and people from all over the world, at least 20 countries are participating. It is a protest against the current government, the key cabinet members pushed the hashtag on the platform that has become a top trend, and it is still sitting right on the 1st spot for the 7th consecutive day. People are already claiming it a record-breaking trend that is also covered by top-notch international media outlets. The Hashtag #امپورٹڈ_حکومت_نامنظور has rallied Khan’s supporters from across the world who came out in support of the freedom struggle from American interference. In reaction, crackdown on media has begun by this imported Government. Many anchors have been fired by their channels and harassment of social media team of PTI continues with 10 arrested so far.

Here, where they miscalculated Pakistani people in the current world of new media, especially the youth. It is not 1980, its 2022 and you cannot control information in the presence of 60 million smart phones in Pakistan. Its gaining momentum big day by day as people are angry and they don’t want same corrupt politicians to hold highest offices in the country. Pakistan has changed and now its moving towards its true freedom after 1947.

That group of 25 individuals is now in thousands and they are placed all over the world. They have required tools in their hands and information on their finger tips. The diversity of content disseminated by new media has created opportunities and ability for more voices to be heard. More and more people are becoming part of this movement. New Media has changed the world and Pakistan too…now you cannot fool us or feed us your own narratives anymore. It was a silent movement which is transforming into a REVOLUTION. What you are witnessing now is a FREEDOM MOVEMENT in Pakistan again. Freedom from the slavery of America, freedom to have independent foreign policy and freedom to be a sovereign country.