New problems and issues arise in this country everyday. A few days ago, there was this very controversial issue of the girl in Swat that was flogged in public for committing a very abominable sin. The girl herself accepted her crime after which she was duly punished. When the video of this act reached the media, it showed the clips in which the girl was shouting for mercy, again and again. That created a humungous outcry and the act was promptly termed un-Islamic . The media did not focus on the original facts, only set about trying to prove her innocence. Almost all the politicians and most of the members of civil society condemned this act in strong words as they have not been enlightened by the rules and regulations set out by the Holy Quran regarding various sins punishable by public flogging. On the other hand, if we look at the case of our sister Dr Afia Siddiqui, the same media showed an unjust bias. While our government does not see the brutality with which she was actually being treated, our politicians have also zipped up their mouths. Dr Afia is an innocent Pakistani who is still being persecuted by the Americans. A western woman named Ms. Reedley has been pursuing her case and trying to establish her innocence. We should also try to raise a voice for her. -ABEERA ALVI, Karachi, via e-mail, April 7.