THE outrage sparked in certain circles by the contents of a recent morning show refuses to die down, and for good reason. What was attempted to be showcased as an attempt at 'investigative journalism' was a nauseating instance of harassment and invasion of privacy. How else can we refer to a camera crew chasing couples who have broken no law? Yet the fact that this particular programme gave rise to vocal opposition must not lead us to believe that it is the only instance of such excess. In recent years, the Pakistani media has increasingly tilted towards programming that claims to be highlighting social issues and injustices but actually constitutes an invasion of privacy and a breach of constitutional freedoms. The airwaves are peppered with similar shows under various guises, sometimes conducted not by journalists but professional actors.

Most unpalatable perhaps is the parallel that can be drawn to 'anti-vice' squads in say Saudi Arabia or under the Taliban in Afghanistan. In Pakistan's instance though the media constitutes a non-state actor that does not have the law on its side where morality is concerned. Pakistanis have the right to conduct their private lives as they choose so long as no law is broken. When the state engaged in such harassment even under the cover of the law, as during the Zia regime, society fought back. The same must be done when non-state actors take on the role. As for the media industry, this should be a wake-up call. First, such programming exposes it to accusations of straying from standards of professionalism and journalistic ethics. This will only strengthen demands of intervention and regulation, which could result in the tightening of controls on free speech. Secondly, in attempting 'moral policing' the media legitimises and encourages those groups or individuals who may take it upon themselves to become the guardians of public morality, sometimes through coercive tactics. When moral policing becomes common on our screens and thus embedded in public consciousness, violent vigilante action is just a step away. Is the media industry prepared to stoke a fire that will prove uncontrollable?