THIS is with reference to the article by Karamatullah K. Khori (Aug 16). It sets out to judge the present dispensation on two counts first, veracity of the TTP chief's death; second, holding accountable the former general Pervez Musharraf.

The second point suggests the writer wants the government to pursue a confrontational approach. Would that be appropriate, given the transitional and fragile nature of our democracy?

Many may disagree, yet the fact remains that our democracy is in transition. Perhaps the similar thought process was at work in 1999 when the then prime minister ventured to change the chief of staff. Come the desired trial and democracy will be sent packing.

Further, the writer believes the sixth elected government is the 'most incompetent and pusillanimous'. Reason It has allowed the former general to flee the clutches of law. Whatever, would the superlatives do with regard to government performance? Perhaps these would.

But we also betray our attitude towards governments through these adjectives. What should be the alternative, given our impatience and political short-temperedness? Should these governments be toppled during mid- term, prematurely? Or should we follow Indian model — the elected party run its term — of regime change?

Now, let us juxtapose the opinion expressed on the NRO in the article with one prevalent in the smaller provinces. The feeling that the Punjab-dominated media and intelligentsia have taken upon themselves to portray NRO in bad light thus avenge upon its beneficiaries mainly from the smaller provinces.

Otherwise, how could the very intellectuals, mediapersons and legal high-ups would have conveniently looked the other way when Nawaz Sharif, who was convicted and serving a sentence, was let off the hook?

These facts from the recent past do not weigh with our anchorpersons and public opinion-makers. These contradictions must end if we are to evolve as a friction-free federal polity.

The article relates the phlegmatic outburst of the minister which perhaps related to the charge of corruption in EOBI (Employment and Old age Benefit Investment Corporation), not of independent power producers and the minister concerned headed that organisation.

Agreeing that vibrant and free news media is a sine quo non for democracies, yet the segment of this same media align themselves with one or the other power player and assume the character of a vested interest in its new transformation.

There is probably a clear demarcation between disinterested coverage and analysis of events and championing an interest to bring about a specific outcome. Our media stalwarts are in possession of better judgment to choose a role for themselves. Their real, arduous role will be a joy for democracy.

SIBGHATULLAH
Islamabad