The media has emerged in Pakistan as a force to reckon with and this role is likely to gain more strength. An independent vibrant press plays a very vital role in a democracy while it is taking roots in a country. In Pakistan where democratic institutions are still in the process of evolution, and there is little tolerance for dissent and criticism, the role of the press becomes very significant. Professional ethics and moral code need to be enforced. When a journalist assumes the role of lobbyists for politicians and business houses, they bring into disrepute newspapers that they work for, or in the case of electronic media the specific channels where they work for. The issue is that media managers must insist that public interest issues must be given significant coverage and so must abuse of powers by public office holders. No society in the world can hope to strengthen democratic institutions, unless strict control is exercised on those holding public offices. This is where the role of the press becomes significant. TARIQ ALI MALIK, Lahore, October 23.