Mir Ibrahim Rahman - Profile of Some Initiatives

Profile of Some Initiatives

“Zara Sochieye” (Just Think!) led a wave of debate on the controversial Hudood Ordinance, a set of laws passed without debated by a dictator 28 of years ago equating rape with adultery. GEO’s campaign, clarified the difference between man-made laws and divine law that the Hudood Ordinance was deliberately associated with. The campaign included testimony and unprecedented debate between the main liberal and conservative religious forces in the country and was credited to be the tipping point that led the Government to finally amend the ordinance. Perhaps real success, however, was to proof of performance that sensitive religious issues can not only be debated but debate can help religion itself.

Under Mir’s supervision, GeoFilms launched its first films project titled “Khuda Kay Liye” (In the Name of God) against whom a fatwa was issued by the terrorist leader of the Red Mosque, Islamabad. The project not only became Pakistani film industry’s biggest blockbuster but also prompted much needed dialogue and discussion facing Islam and Pakistan today.

GEO Network has been known to take on daring projects, including supporting the cause for justice, which created a tussle with the previous military and current civilian government. All of GEO’s channels were shut down for almost 90 days, creating a net revenue loss of over $25 million. Most political analysts have been quoted to confirm GEO’s role was unique in the country’s historic independent judiciary movement and the eventual restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry.

GEO took the daring lead in showcasing Taliban version of Islam by releasing footage of public violence against women and men who have not gone through due process. Footage includes the now infamous video of the flogging of a screaming woman pinned down by two men as well as Taliban recruitment footage of beheadings, including some by children, which turned out to be a fake video. Many analysts credit the Pakistani media, led by GEO, for changing the tide of public opinion that made Swat operation possible.

GEO and Jang Group have also recently announced their partnership with Times of India Group to launch a civilian peace initiative with India. The two largest and most influential media groups of Pakistan and India have committed to providing a platform where their audiences, readers and civil society can nudge their respective government to move towards lasting and fair peace so that valuable resources of both countries can be directed towards development and progress.