THERE is no doubt that soaring prices, security threats within and without and other problems have inundated the Pakistani nation.

These unresolved problems cannot go away in a short span of time and without proper practical actions.

These troubles were not created in a single day and hence cannot be solved in a short time. It is a bitter reality to note that a large faction of civil society has become pessimistic.

The role of the media in this regard cannot be ignored.

When a destitute person sits in front of a news channel, he has nothing to watch except pain and suffering of his people.

The first news: a blast in area A; the second news: terrorists arrested in area B; the third news: a family clash over a trifle issue, with a number of people dead and injured. Then ‘breaking news’ with painful flashes that members of the CNG associations have closed stations against the verdict of the apex court. Now the news ends.

A new programme starts and it sketches the life of a kidnapped girl in area D.

The other channel depicts the story of the husband who has thrown acid on his wife in area E.

Our news channels have changed the mindset of their viewers. A normal and happy life becomes a depressed one after watching these news channels.

An important question: is there nothing praiseworthy to be shown to the viewers by these so-called independent news channels?

It is tragic to note that these news channels do not hesitate to show bodies. What message are they conveying to the people at home and abroad?

The TV channels should avoid adding fuel to the fire. The nation is already depressed and the media is further exacerbating the situation. The nation needs hope and not despair.

WAJAHAT ALI DOGGAR Sheikhhupura