Qudrat Ullah One of the 20 centurys most important aspects is its rapid communication explosion, which has made the whole world a virtual global village. And with the availability of hi-tech information and communication technology, the mass media has emerged as an important organ of everyday life, keeping them informed of the happenings around. For this reason, the media has been rightly acknowledged as the fourth pillar of the state; while it also affects other pillars of state in one way or the other. Medias growing power of information-diffusion has given it an advantage and authority over other components and institutions of the state. More and more people, organisations and governments rely on the news-material, provided by various organs of the mass media, for information and decision-making. Keeping in view medias growing role and importance, it can be said that in the present age no human society would survive or flourish without a vibrant and independent media. Press freedom helps build a credible image in the eyes of the reader. While keeping a check on the government and other institutions of society, it exposes crime and corruption. Freedom of expression is a basic human right, to be enjoyed by all people, regardless of cultural, religious, ethnic or other backgrounds. The freedom of expression is, therefore, regarded as the very basis of a democratic form of government; its denial will stifle the spirit of inquiry and stagnate the society. Pakistans constitution fully guarantees the freedom of press and expression to its all citizens. Article 19 states: Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, [commission of] or incitement to an offence. The concept of freedom of speech is often covered by the same laws as freedom of the press, thereby, giving equal treatment to spoken and published words. But press freedom is a tricky issue in Pakistan. While every government claims that the media is free and independent and it is under no official pressure, media-men have their own reservations about it. We should have total commitment to media freedom; as it helps promote a responsible and democratic society and keeps a check on the government. A free press could identify system flaws in a country as reflected in its role during the dark days of dictatorship. It has been largely responsible for creating consciousness about the need for women empowerment and the role of half the population in developing the country. The emergence of satellite broadcasting in the early 1990s and proliferation of cable television have ended the monopoly of state controlled media, allowing the public greater choice and access to a wider range of information and alternative viewpoints. Thus it helps to bring a social change in a rigid society like ours. It has emerged as an effective power to reckon with in Pakistan, which is indeed a healthy symbol. TV channels in particular are doing a great service by keeping the public informed with their lively talk shows. The potential of media in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation could prove vital in a conflict-ridden zone like South Asia. However, it is important that it remain impartial and dispassionate in coverage to maintain credibility. The country is passing through a critical juncture. These are extraordinary times. The challenges being faced today, like terrorism, are daunting but certainly not insurmountable. What we really need is unity and sincerity of purpose, to rise to the occasion. And media can go a long way in achieving that goal. The writer is a freelance columnist. Email: qudratulla@gmail.com