Pakistan Cracks Down on TV News Channels Geo and Aaj

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.

629 responses to “Pakistan Cracks Down on TV News Channels Geo and Aaj”

1. Adil Najam says:

   June 4, 2007 at 10:14 pm

   By way of update, here is Dawn’s report on the new press curbs:

   ISLAMABAD, June 4: President Pervez Musharraf on Monday imposed fresh curbs on the electronic media in the second such move within three days, sparking protests from journalists, politicians and lawyers. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Ordinance (2007), issued just two days before the commencement of a National Assembly session, empowers the Pemra to take action on its own against television channels which violated rules. The move virtually undoes some of the major provisions of a law passed by parliament three months ago after a two-year debate and consultations with the stakeholders.

   The ordinance authorises the Pemra to confiscate the equipment of broadcasters and seal the premises without consulting a council of complaints. The council was envisaged in the amendments passed in February. The amendment increased the fine for violators to Rs10 million from the existing Rs1 million. Soon after the promulgation of the ordinance, journalists took to streets in Islamabad and demonstrated outside the prime minister’s secretariat after a meeting of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). They were later joined by torch-bearing sympathisers from political parties and non-governmental organisations.

   Organisations representing politicians and lawyers condemned the move while the parliamentary opposition announced plans to requisition a special session of the National Assembly’s standing committee on information. It would also move a resolution of disapproval in the Senate. The decree followed controversial directives issued by the Pemra on Saturday, barring television networks from airing talk shows and carrying out live coverage of events relating to the judicial crisis.

   Some 10 amendments were made in the Pemra (Amendment) Act passed in February this year. An amended sub-section (5) of Section 29 reads: “Provided further that the Authority or the chairman may seize a broadcast or distribution service equipment or seal the premises which is operating illegally or (in) contravention of orders passed under Section 30.â€

2. Aamir Ali says:

   June 4, 2007 at 9:56 pm

   MQ:

   Even if 37% of blind supporters vote for Musharraf, it doesnt make it right or good for Pakistan.

   Assault on judiciary and muzzling the media is not good for the country. Its purpose is to hide truth and to stay in power.

3. Owais Mughal says:

   June 4, 2007 at 9:29 pm

   Don’t take it out on me plz :) 37% is the largest number as of today in above polls. It may change though and then I’ll gladly take my claim back :)

4. MQ says:

   June 4, 2007 at 9:10 pm

   Owais,

   [quote]a majority of people, 37%, still seem to favour President and his promises.[/quote]

   Since when 37% became a majority?

5. Moeen Bhatti says:

   June 4, 2007 at 8:59 pm

   If they snatch my ink and pen,
   I should not complain,
   For I have dipped my fingers
   In the blood of my heart.
   I should not complain
   Even if they seal my tongue,
   For every ring of my chain
   Is a tongue ready to speak.
   Faiz Ahmad Faiz

   Translated by Azfar Hussain