Pakistan and SMS: an inseparable binomial!

Pakistanis are increasingly becoming attracted to SMS facilities and services. Being able to use SMS has become an essential everyday-life need for thousands of Pakistanis. National and international connections amongst Pakistanis, its diaspora communities and foreign actors are however, creating uncomfortable issues as many discuss conspiracy theories through SMS messaging and much of the chatter is about foreign intervention and technological snooping through mobile networks. According to an article posted in the Nation newspaper, the vibrant circulation of SMS in Pakistan is causing the propagation of allegations which is further corroding trust in politicians which is already at an all time low.

The SMS conspiracy theories may provoke criticism and suspicion by many of us. However it is critical to understand the wide impact text messages can have on one nation and its citizens. If these technologies are to be used for social development purposes, real achievements could be made in local development and conflict resolution. Indeed, SMS and text messaging can be used to enhance mutual understanding among different religious or ethnic communities - instead of raging endlessly against politicians. The former would help the financial and social development of countries instead of tearing apart trust in political systems.

Faith Matters, a London based not-for-profit organisation, recently developed an SMS campaign to reduce inter-faith tensions in Pakistan. According to the Project Managers, the campaign has been a real success, as the majority of people responding to the SMS received showed great receptiveness and willingness to solve specific issues affecting the nation by suggesting solutions. Millions of Pakistanis were engaged in this process with over 4-6 million people engaged with and over 100 million SMS text messages were sent in FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) and AJK (Azad Jammu and Kashmir). Faith Matters also mapped responses at a district level in relation to each message showing which ones resonated in which districts in Pakistan and which did not.

The use of SMS in countries like Pakistan can be a great tool for development. Yet, here is the key problem? It can also be used to promote fear, tensions and mistrust.