The arrest of Najam Sethi, editor of The Friday Times , and attacks against other journalists in Pakistan, mark a grave setback to Pakistani democracy. One important measure of Pakistan's development and growth is the extent to which its media are free to report the news. The news is not always positive in Pakistan, and the print media within the country have worked hard to promote accountability.
Corrupt practices are a great impediment to a better future for Pakistan.
If courageous media persons are victimized by the political leadership and security forces of the state, Pakistan is badly tarnished and the country's future is jeopardized. According to news reports, Najam Sethi, editor of the prominent English weekly The Friday Times , was beaten and taken from his home in the early morning of May 9. The Friday Times is not the only target. M.A.K. Lodhi, a reporter for The News , the largest English daily, was detained earlier in the week in connection with his involvement with a BBC news crew, and Imtiaz Alam, a News columnist, had his car set on fire on May 5. These recent developments mark a grave setback for press freedom in Pakistan, and have threatened Pakistan's quest for accountability and democracy.