Daily Times

Sir: It seems that the privilege of freedom of expression enjoyed by the media is at stake since some elements are determined to strangle the voice of the biggest media network of our country. What is lamentable is how different media groups have started cannibalising the network under attack instead of trying to defend their fellow media group or putting some sense into it, thus jeopardising their unity and becoming vulnerable to any future restrictions.

The attack on Hamid Mir was condemnable and so was the behaviour of his TV network after that. Levelling unfounded allegations against the chief of a vital state institution is unjustifiable. The news channel should not have done that. However, such an incident does not mean we should demand banning the media group.

The problem in Pakistan is that everybody is overstepping his boundaries. The army intervenes in politics, the media assumes charge of the dispensation of justice and the judiciary frequently interferes in administration. What is needed now is a sensible approach to deal with the rapidly deteriorating situation. Let us pipe down and wait for the report of the judicial commission.

The government should make sure that it brings the culprits involved in the attack on the anchorperson to justice. Moreover it is time the PEMRA was strengthened and rules and regulations of the media were formulated so that no such smear campaigns against our state institutions should happen again.

Saad Ali

Karachi