Babar Awan can do it.

The emergence of free electronic media in Pakistan has made some (not all) anchors of the TV talk-shows tremendously powerful and notorious in their approaches. They invite any Tom, Dick and Harry of their choice to their shows and make them throw dirt on each other and spread venom against their opponents. In this way, the guests are satisfied to see their faces on the small screen and to score points with their leadership, while the hosts get promising ratings. The government and majority of the parliamentarians cannot talk against such anchors, shows and channels because they are scared of them. Thus the game goes on.

There is a simple way of curbing such talk shows. The government can issue a notice to the TV channels under relevant section of labour laws making it compulsory to pay on pro rata basis of anchor’s salary to the participants each time they air the talk shows. Soon, in this way; the number of talk shows will reduce; the qualities of guests will improve; and the standard of discussion will get better. This is a simple solution on ‘no free lunch’ concept.  If no one else can do it, Babar Awan can; after all, he has that ‘Gabbar’ of the famous Indian movie ‘Sholay’ in him. 

Dr. Ghayur Ayub.