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Ruqayya Noor
CT Article Batch ‘04’
18/10/2025
Propaganda and the Danger of Labeling: From “Terrorism” to “Khawarij”
In every society, propaganda is more than information __ it shapes how people think and feel. Through repeated messages, emotional language, and selective storytelling, propaganda slowly builds a specific public mindset. People begin to see the world not through facts, but through carefully designed narratives that appeal to their emotions (Bernays, Propaganda, 1928).
In Pakistan, media framing and state narratives have played a major role in creating simplified ideas about complex political and religious issues. Since 2001, the “war on terror” story divided people into “good” and “evil,” leaving little room for critical thinking or nuance (McCombs & Shaw, Agenda-Setting Theory, 1972). When a message is repeated enough times, it becomes accepted as truth, even without evidence.
Recently, a new shift has emerged __ replacing the word terrorist with Khawarij. This Arabic term carries deep religious and historical meaning; it refers to a sect that rebelled violently in early Islamic history. By using such a powerful religious label, the narrative gains emotional authority. People start believing it instantly, without checking context or evidence, because questioning a “religious term” feels like questioning religion itself.
This is dangerous. Once a term like Khawarij becomes a tool of propaganda, it closes the door to discussion. Political or social dissent can easily be dismissed as heresy. Such labeling weakens public reasoning, divides communities, and hides real problems behind emotional slogans.
The only defense is awareness __ checking sources, questioning narratives, and understanding how language can be used to control minds. Asking questions is not rebellion; it is the first step toward wisdom and truth.
