When in the wilderness of opposition politics the PTI was a big beneficiary and a defender of media freedoms; in power it is becoming more and more intolerant of critical opinion. Not long ago, it came up with the idea of establishing special media tribunals. The ostensible purpose was to address media-related complaints and grievances, but real intent to reign in uncompromising journalists and media houses. The move was stopped in its tracks by vigorous resistance offered by all stakeholders: print and electronic media organizations, all factions of journalists unions, and owners of media groups. Yet the desire to have a compliant media remains strong. Addressing a public meeting the other day, Prime Minister Imran Khan lashed out at what he called a 'corrupt mafia' in the newspaper industry who, he said, writes against the government on a daily basis because his government had closed the door to their corruption. "Some journalists", he went on, "who made money and derived other benefits from the old system are also against our government."

This government needs to understand that in any functioning democracy the relationship between government and media is of an adversarial nature. The media's role is that of a watchdog, monitoring and questioning government policies as well as its acts of omission and commission. It should be expected, therefore, that what is written may not sit well with the rulers' sensitivities. There is no denying, though, that like in all other professions, black sheep exist in media, too. Some may have taken favours from the 'old system' and hence are obliged to resort to unfair criticism of the present government. But those who willfully malign the government, its leaders, or any individual with below the belt blows can be held to account under the defamation laws which effectively deal with publication or broadcast of, without proof, of defamatory content. In fact, at least in one instance the Prime Minister himself has invoked the law.

More serious are the attempts at limiting media freedoms. Although the special tribunals move remains thwarted, the print and broadcast media continue to face extra-legal pressures through advisories and other arm-twisting means. This scheme of things, unless stopped, can hurt the PM's own party a few years down the line. Instead of paying attention to adverse opinion he would be wise to help create an environment in which media freedoms flourish. An independent media being a sine qua non of democracy, doing that is as much in his own interest as it is for the long-term political stability and progress of the country and its people.