Sir: It was a sign of how much power the media has begun to exert when an anti-terrorism court found the hooligan Gullu Butt guilty of destruction of property and sentenced him to 11 years in prison. Twenty years ago his actions would have sunk beneath the notice of most people. Men like Gullu Butt, hooligans and violent criminals, were among the street power of major parties like the PML-N and the PPP at one time, but because of the scrutiny of the television media and the instant reactions it can generate, Gullu Butt was not only condemned immediately, the government knew that if it tried to interfere in the case it would lose popular support and credibility. It may be willing to risk its neck for one of the ruling party’s high-ups, but for the average street brawler like Gullu Butt, the days when they could terrorise community residents and act like untouchables when their party was in power appear to be over. The next logical step is to extend scrutiny to mid-level party supporters and leaders who also feel they are above the law. Government officers who have been appointed because of their political connections, businessmen who have gotten good ‘deals’ for themselves and other social parasites need to be brought within the eye of the media so that the government is forced to cut them loose. SAFWAN ZAHEER Islamabad