IN modern societies, the media impartially and diligently report occurrence of crime and trial of criminals to keep taxpayers informed about the functioning of the criminal justice system.

In Pakistan, the media has also taken upon itself the role of trial conductor.

We have seen parallel trial of high - profile persons and cases in the media, especially on the electronic media.

Prosecutors, defence lawyers, accused persons appear on TV talk shows to explain their respective cases being heard in courts.

Some times court proceedings are also discussed in these talk shows.

This is a new development in the criminal justice system in Pakistan. The position of politicians is unique. They participate in talk shows enthusiastically and also protest against the so - called media trial. The retired generals also participate in TV talk shows.

A few days ago the viewers were astonished to see a former director - general of the ISI being grilled by the anchorperson on a private TV channel in the Asghar Khan case. In the Haj corruption case, the accused minister was pleading innocent before the anchorperson in a talk show.

I do not know whether this new development in the criminal justice system of Pakistan is being debated at judicial and police academies or not. Undoubtedly, this is an interesting subject for academicians to apply their mind to.

ASGHAR MAHMOOD Islamabad