I am the fourth pillar of the state, not too old, yet tolerating much burden on my feeble feet. I have limited powers, yet unlimited responsibilities. I am at the same time strangled and then forced to live. I struggle for freedom every now and then. I am both the saviour and the savage. I am the hero and the villain. I am attacked for compliance of my regulator’s directives. I am held responsible for every political party’s grievances against the state. I am attacked to vent one’s anger against the state. I was attacked for the government’s unwillingness to probe rigging allegations in general elections. I was attacked for my compliance of not airing anti-state sentiments. I am stumbling and stumbling, yet surviving. Glad to make your acquaintance, I am Pakistan’s electronic media!
M SAYYAD ALAM KHAN
Peshawar, August 26.