Islamabad, Sep 5 (IANS): There is "no clear state policy in sight" on terrorism, said a leading Pakistani daily that called upon the media to form a narrative that is independent of the state's and is based on factual reporting.

An editorial in the Dawn Wednesday said that the extent to which extremist groups have managed to proliferate in Pakistan and the impunity with which they operate pose challenges on many fronts.

"Consider the bind in which Pakistani journalists, especially those working in the conflict-hit areas of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, find themselves. They must do their duty by those who seek information and, being mindful of journalistic ethics, report objectively on instances of violence and extremism.

"At the same time they must take care to not become mouthpieces for extremist or banned organisations or spread divisive points of view, even if that means earning the ire of dangerous militants," it said.

The daily said that major news networks the world over do not subscribe to the hate-filled ideology propagated by extremist groups but they do still telecast statements of militant leaders.

"It is unfortunate that the state has not been able to create a definite narrative vis-à-vis militancy. The heroes of yesterday are the terrorists of today; bad Taliban can be converted into good Taliban after a few deals are struck - until the next time they try to thwart the state's writ," said the editorial.

It said: "With no clear state policy in sight and no definition of the enemy, it is all the more incumbent on the media to form a narrative that is independent of the state's and is based on factual reporting and the opinions of all sides."

"That much is owed to the public and its right to know..."