A LOT is happening in the country beside the political and judicial drama. While the media has played a positive role in creating awareness of the common man, it must continue to play a role ofan anchor.

Many talk shows are too focused on politics and exposing politicians that the educated class is gradually losing interest in the news. This is alarming and at some stage can be critical.

There are issues like the US consulate's encroachments on the footpath and issues like the US having problems with the Pakistan-Iran pipeline. We, as public, now know that we have shortage of energy due both to corruption and lack of resources.

Extensive news coverage of shortage of energy channels can help us overcome this problem and create awareness among the masses for both production and conservation of energy.

News channels create massive hype on several topics, but later fail to keeptrack on developments. A recent example is the blockage of Nato containers to Afghanistan. There is no regular update on the situation of trucks at borders and ifitis assured that no shipment is going into Afghanistan for Nato forces. It is time we took initiatives to improve people's life and looked forward to a better future.

AKBAR ALI KHALIQDINA Karachi

Objectivity

I AM a Pakistani and have been residing in Beijing for the last few months. One thing that I miss here most is the entertainment provided by news channels and spicy talk shows back home. But some time we get a chance to view these shows on the Internet, getting in touch with the recent crises like CNG, power shortage and railways downfall, faced by the people.

On the other hand, our national TVgives only the peaceful view of the country. This opinion of mine can be taken in two ways.

First, observing the greatness of our government on PTV makes everybody happy that thereisnoissuein Pakistan other than the danger to democracy, and the viewer maturity compromises on this. He can never reach a conclusion on the current situation because 'all is well' according to the national TV.

Secondly, the national TV, unlike the private channels, does not give minute details of the issues the country is facing, though sometimes it is not required at all.

Balance should be there for a better and educated society and for the learning of a common man.

Unfortunately, both national and private TV channels are not doing so.

MIR YASIR Beihang University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Beijing