Pakistan Idol: A boon or a bane for a conventional Pakistani society?

We all know that music has such a potent effect on our moods. It provokes intense feelings, and has this direct line and connection to the human emotions. To many people in many cultures around the world, music is an integral part of their life.

A nation as talented as pakistan has a huge array of potential singers and tuneful misicians. There are a number of things a Pakistani can be proud of and music is surely one of them. To name a few, from the evergreen Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to the 'queen of melody' Noor Jehan, from Abida Parveen, a rarity in the Sufi music to the beautiful Nazia Hasan, from the ear soothing Junaid Jamshed and Alamgir to the soulful Atif Aslam, Ali Azmat and Ali Haider, Pakistan has got it all. All of them are immensely talented, power-pack performers and gifted musicians/singers.

After mesmerizing millions of viewers across the globe for more than a decade, the highly rated reality show 'idol' now finally comes to Pakistan. The format of the show is based on the British series 'pop idol' and many countries like America, Australia and India have launched their own version of the show. The 'star' maker reality show is jointly produced by Geo Television and Freemantle Media. Pakistan idol promises a colossal platform for the Pakistani youth to showcase their extraordinary talents and singing skills. Another interesting thing about a reality show is the auditioning process of the potential contestants. The auditions were carried out in all the major cities of Pakistan including Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sukkur, Hyderabad and in the last Karachi. Having all the necessary ingredients of a successful show, it is only going to be bigger and better in Pakistan.

However, on the other hand, the media in Pakistan should promote programs and events focusing on education, welfare and peace especially at a time when our country is in a state of tatters. To engage the youth of the country in economic, educational and socio-cultural activities is the need of the hour rather than alluring them with a singing contest. Apart from that, the Pakistan idol is in full swing with the Indian music. Most of the contestants at the auditions were seen singing and swaying on peppy Bollywood numbers. The show which is aiming to bring out the best of talents in Pakistan should focus more on endorsing the local music and representing the Pakistani culture through diverse entertainment mediums

 So, regardless of its setbacks, 2014 is undoubtedly going to be an interesting year for Pakistani music and we are surely in for a musical treat.