An independent media always serves to strengthen democracy by bringing facts before the people. After a long time, we finally have a vibrant media with quite a number of journalists who have the moral courage to criticise and expose those in power. It is unfortunate that a part of the media played a very sad role in distorting the Quaids vision of a democratic welfare state. It is they who downplayed the importance of Quaids 11 August 1947 address and betrayed their obligation to present facts instead of creating fiction.
The role of state controlled media during Ayub era, when a character assassination campaign was launched to belittle politicians played a very negative role in the dismemberment of Pakistan. Similarly, their failure to expose Zia-ul-Haqs tyrannical rule has done irreparable damage to Pakistan. The independent media, with exceptions of few, who were captive to their commercial interest, have also distorted the role played by real pioneers of our freedom struggle and instead made heroes out of mediocrity, who were not even at a physical age where they could have played any important role in the freedom movement.
RAHAT SIDDIQI
Karachi
