Darwaish
UPDATE: Nov. 3, 2007: Emergency Declared in Pakistan.
UPDATE: Nov. 4, 2007: Media Gagged. Listen to Geo News here.
In my last post, I mentioned that Electronic Media is under siege and many programs are likely to be banned. But I was not expecting it to happen so soon. Geo News transmission have been completely shut down in most parts of the country and Aaj TVvhas disappeared from my cable at least (WorldCall Cable, Lahore).
I don’t know if Aaj TV has been completely banned or not. It happened while I was watching Dr. Shahid Masood’s Mere Mutabiq. Muslim League (Q)’s own Vice President Kabir Wasti was strongly criticizing General Musharaf, holding him responsible for the judicial crises when suddenly Geo News was shut down. I thought that its a temporary ban and transmission will be back as soon as Dr. Shahid’s program is over but its been several hours now and still no signs of Geo or Aaj coming back on my cable. A friend of mine sent me this SMS from Karachi that Geo News disappeared from most parts of the Sindh around 8 o clock too during Imran Khan’s interview in another program Jawab De.
Geo News website has this to say:
The government has blocked the transmission of the Geo News TV channel across the country due to the reasons best known to them. The viewers calls flooded the Geo office to ask that why the transmission of Geo News TV channel was suddenly suspended when the famous programme, “Meray Mutabik” was going on air.
The calls from the viewers were received from various parts of the country. According to Geo News sources the government has blocked the transmission of the Geo News. Geo transmission was blocked in various parts of Islamabad, Lahore, Hyderabad, Karachi and other areas. The citizens, social and political circles have condemned the ban on transmission of Geo News and they have demanded of the government to immediately lift ban on the transmission of the Geo News and give complete freedom to media in the country.
I am unable to understand why this step has been taken but lets wait and see the official reason which will surely be Afwaje Pakistan ke khilaaf baat ki gaye hai. I suspect the title of Dr. Shahid’s program Idaro Ka Takrao – Fatah Kiski Ho Gi (Clash of Institutions – Who Will be Victorious) must have caused concerns among people sitting in Information Ministry aka Mr. Ghalat Biyani.
Whatever government says but I thought it was a very interesting program and a healthy discussion going on when some wise men decided to shut it down. I hope the ban is lifted soon and government shows some common sense. Like they say in Urdu, Kuch Hosh Ke Nakhun Lo Bhai. Whatever happened to those free media and freedom of press claims :). This is yet another direct attack on freedom of expression and truly a shameful act and should be strongly condemned. I am afraid Dr. Shahid Masood will be in trouble once again for not being afraid, for speaking his mind and saying what is in hearts of millions of ordinary Pakistanis.
Shahid Masood turned out to be just another fraud just like we are witnessing Aitzaz Ahsen now. Aitzaz Ahsen has been the biggest disappointment in recent Pakistani history.
Check this out friends. Dr. Shahid Masood doing Ji Huzuri of embarrassing Zardari. What a shame!!
SALAM
Mera Naam SYED GHULAM QADIR JEELANI S/O HAZRAT SYED GHULAM MUHAMMAD JEELANI QADRI RAZZAQI HASNI HUSSAINI Hai Me SYEDA MA AMAMA Aur SYEDA MA FATIMA MA Ke Ghar Se Taluk Rakhta Ho Me Ek Trust Banana Chahta Ho Jis Me SYED SADAATH Aur UMMATI Ke Liye Fikar Hogi Yani FIKAR-E-INSANIYAT Hogi So Plz Mera Contact Number 0300-9260013 Aur MUHAMMAD ZEESHAN KHATRI 0321-9528774 Jo Hazrat Member Ship Hasil Kerna Chahe Wo Rabta Kare EMAIL ADDRESS # sajid_memon_4@hotmail.com
This one sided propaganda against Dr Shahid is not fair. Why not listen to what he has to say about this? May be he is gone for good and PTV get better because of his leadership. I think he was becoming cause of too many problems for Geo so it was wise of him to get out and do something more useful and productive.
As far as salary etc are concerned. Chairman/MD PTV is a very senior designation so what’s wrong if he is getting handsomely paid? Every Chairman/MD gets the same.
All these comments seems to be coming more out of jealousy than any logic. Same old Pakistani mentality, why is getting more and I am not. Grow up people!!
Well, it IS true that he has been hired the chairman of PTV. This shows that he was working for political forces. The man has little or no background when it comes to journalism and is now sitting on the top seat of sarkari tv. WELL DONE!
“Flattering will get (Shahid Masood) everywhere”
thanks Mehreen for the link. 7 lacs per month salary with fringe benefits and extra financial benefits to be negotiated later. that is something real BIG. I mean everyone has a price after all.
I want to be an anchor person too :P
Here is more interesting information about Dr. Shahid’s pay package and other facilities. Wow. kaafi bara haath maara hai Dr sahab ne. I can’t say if what he did is right or wrong. Everyone has the right to take the suitable opportunity.
it is true dr shahid masood is appointed as chairman of pakistan tv .?
if yes,dr shahid masood loose his dignity.
he aws ideal man.but we can,t believe it.please inform us.
when dr was fire from ARY TV from that day we stop watching of ARY ONE WORD TV. we are waiting again for dr shahid masood.