The Swat incdent - Role of Media

It was shocking to see the footage of a girl being flogged in the presesnce of public in Swat. The Swat valley has been a battlefield between the Army and Taliban, ruining the lives of most of the local residents. A common Pakistani had never imagined this about beautiful Swat. 

While watching the footage on a private TV channel, and a flow on condemnations from National and International leaders, a few questions do raise in mind, which need to be addressed.

Firstly, There is no debate on the brutal acts of Pakistani Talibans in Swat and FATA. Every Pakistani condemns it. They have destroyed schools, colleges, shops and killed many innocent people. It is not according to Islamic laws, it is their own version of Shari'a.

2. In past, Taliban have accepted responsibality of most attacks and their acts. They have never been shy in accepting it, while fighting against Pakistan Army and destroying the peace of our homeland.

So, when we know their acts, and even then our Government have signed a peace deal with them, to find the ways for peace in the valley, such footage and its timings raise many doubts in mind. The so-called free press is trying to become free of all human virtues like truth. They are presenting the incedent as a fresh one, while the Minister of Information NWFP, Mian Iftikhar has clarified that the incedent happened on 3rd January, 2009 and it is publicised today (3rd April). What does it mean? And who is going to get the advantage of this? We all know but we don't say it.

Geo TV has played a key role in Lawyers' Movement for the restoration of Judiciary in Pakistan. It is a popular News channel and people trust what they present before the public. But such activities can lead to an end to their popularity.