Media Strategy for Countering the Daesh Threat

Daesh, a Sunni militant organisation based in the Middle East, has attracted militants from Asia, Europe and the West. Daesh‟s multifaceted media strategy has been instrumental in the spread of extremist ideology, and advancing the outfit‟s global reach. The rising profile of Daesh, in particular, the outfit‟s links with other terrorist organisations is a source of concern since it could prove to be detrimental for international peace. Daesh presence in Afghanistan raises fears that it may become a regional threat. Pakistan cannot isolate itself from these security developments, and needs to employ countermeasures to thwart any potential threat. Pakistan‟s counterterrorist drive is a deterrent against extremist factions. However, to counter an extremist ideology, a counternarrative based on rational views needs to be adopted. The country‟s media needs to play an active role in promotion of balanced ideological ideas. This paper analyses Daesh‟s media strategy; the terrorist outfit‟s radicalising tactics; the role of media in spreading such an ideology; and thoughts on formulating a media strategy for countering extremism.