Media plays a constructive role in developing democracy and nourishing a democratic environment as it is 4th pillar of democracy. It is a tool for nurturing individuals to develop healthy relationships and to foster a solidaristic environment in society. It bears a significant responsibility when it comes to accurately and fairly representing a wide array of social groups. This duty is integral to fostering harmonious relationships within communities comprising individuals from various backgrounds and identities. In the increasingly globalised world, we are in the conundrum of an identity crisis, diversity upset, and latent discrimination, which is causing problems like burnout syndrome. So, here comes the responsibility of social institutions to mitigate this effect. Media, in its substantive form, can play a crucial role in diminishing these dilemmas. Whereas embracing diversity is not just a moral obligation but has also become a crucial business necessity. The endeavors to showcase this diversity hold substantial importance for media practitioners as they seek to connect with fresh audiences and remain pertinent in the eyes of the younger, ever-evolving demographics.

Among these issues, as mentioned above, stereotyping against minorities is a growing issue where discussion or debate in their favour is considered taboo in many societies, mainly talking about Pakistani society. Hate speeches, discriminatory behaviours, and spacing out from minorities are common phenomena in society. With all these problems, social structures come with a colossal responsibility to treat these malfunctioning elements. Media, by all means, can contribute to this problem. Writing about them, posting editorials in newspapers, and overall providing good news coverage can be effective tools to deal with these problematic elements of society.   

News coverage of religious minorities helps to counter stereotypes and misinformation that may otherwise prevail. Many misunderstandings and prejudices arise due to a lack of knowledge, and the media has the power to dispel these by providing accurate and well-rounded portrayals of different religious groups. This can lead to increased tolerance and mutual respect among different sections of society.

In this digital age, online platforms furnish media professionals with the means to engage with an even broader spectrum of readers. These platforms offer an avenue for content that resonates with and aligns with the diverse values of their readership. Consequently, these professionals have the opportunity to capture the attention of audiences that are inclined towards content celebrating inclusivity and catering to their distinct perspectives on diversity.

Furthermore, embracing diversity is an absolute necessity within journalism. Neglecting to encompass the vast array of individual encounters means that media experts are ineffective in representing segments of society. The creation of content should be geared towards the betterment of everyone rather than exclusively benefiting those who hold specific influence, social standing, or control.

A recent study conducted by the International Media Support (IMS) titled ‘Narratives of Marginalisation – Reporting Religious Minorities in Pakistani Media, 2018’ points out that media coverage of religious minorities is largely lacking and insufficient in terms of quantity. According to the report, major media outlets struggle to adequately represent religious minority groups. The study reveals that both television and radio networks dedicate minimal to no time to addressing issues related to religious minorities. Furthermore, the coverage that does exist primarily focuses on Hindu and Christian communities, disregarding other minority groups.

The report also highlights that portrayals of religious minorities often fall into clichés and oversimplified stereotypes, tied to sensitive topics like blasphemy. Their actual thoughts, viewpoints, and perspectives are notably absent, depriving them of a platform for self-expression. While a significant portion of media coverage adopts a neutral and non-hostile tone towards religious minorities, this study underscores the need for more comprehensive and accurate representation.