THE federal and provincial governments decision for a lockdown is sensible and the only way to control the pandemic.

While the lockdown is definitely needed, it is causing mental stress to people who are confined to their homes and there is no social activity. I have experienced situations of war and civil riots four times in my life and I remember how the media used to keep the public in those days cheerful.

National songs would be recorded by top singers and released in just four hours. PTV used to broadcast more comedy programmes to cheer up the nation. The media is presently much larger than those days, but it is spreading nothing except panic.

TV talk shows provide nothing but an opportunity to our politicians to continue their blame game. The plays at one of the leading channels are nothing but full of family disputes and business rivalries.

I urge the media and TV channels to boost the morale of the public confined to their homes by showing positive news, comedy plays, national songs and sports events. This will help people overcome their stress and depression which, I believe, is more harmful than coronavirus.

Akber D. Vazir

Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2020