TALKING about terrorism the point that is hardly given any attention is the role of our so-called vibrant media in promoting the agenda of militants.

The militants’ main purpose is to create a state of terror in the country while propagating their agenda through different means of communications. History tells us that they know better how to use these modern ways of communication to frighten the people.

They are airing their agenda in their remote areas through their radio channels. They use the Internet as a modern way of communication for getting attention of the international community. Our news-hungry reporters are supporting the militants by airing their brutal acts.

Whenever a bomb explodes somewhere in the country, media reporters rush to the area and violent action is given live coverage.

Dead, bleeding and charred bodies and vehicles are shown on TV, creating a state of terror in the minds of viewers.

By showing such scenes they are not serving the nation but helping the militants whose main purpose is to create terror for the fulfilment of their hidden agenda.

It is just happening in Pakistan. In the recent past 26 people, including 20 schoolchildren, were killed in Newton, US, but the US media neither gave no live coverage to the act of violence nor did it air the condition of the injured in hospitals, which is the most favourite task of our so-called energetic reporters.

By doing this, the media is not only violating its own code of ethics but also damaging the reputation of its society at the international level. Contrary to the purpose of journalism, our media is the militants.

M. AFZAL BHATTI Lahore

Taking the bull by the horn THE sacrifice rendered by Bashir Ahmad Bilour for peace in the terrorism-stricken state is worthy of praise. Castles are made in the air soon after the martyrdom and practically all goes in vain.

Terrorists have been killing, with impunity, people irrespective of their caste, religion, and sect. However, despite their brutal approach, our government has showed reluctance in tackling this menace.

Instead, it has started a debate on the distinction between the good and bad Taliban.

It is now essential to take practical steps against these jingoistic elements rather than sit with them on a negotiating table.

It bore no fruit in the past and we had already experienced this in Swat when we had a pact with Sufi Mohammad.

Political parties and military establishment should make a strategy to wipe out the Taliban and other foreign fighters living in tribal areas or be prepared to bear the brunt.

SARWAR MANDOKHAIL     Zhob