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.
VERY INTERESTING; ALTAF HUSSAIN HARASSMENT OF HIS FATHER-IN-LAW FAISAL GABOL (YOUTUBE.
PROBABLY SERVES HIM RIGHT TO MARRY HIS DAUGHTER TO THIS ANIMAL.
gorayk
“I have been under pressure since my daughter developed some domestic issues in London,” Gabol said.
Gabol said three police mobile units were stationed outside his house along with 25 police personnel, some of which included officials of the CID. When Daily Times contacted the London MQM’s secretariat, it was told by Anis Advocate that the Sindh government was the relevant authority to speak to regarding the matter.
(Reply)
gorayk
“Gizri SHO Irfan Kobra came to my house this afternoon around 3:00 p.m. and told me that he had orders to detain me in my house. This is sheer harassment, and this is not the first time that the government has proceeded against me. I was also stopped from travelling to London on May 28,” Gabol said. He said that the SHO told him that he was simply following orders, which were issued by SSP Amin Yousfzai
(Reply)
gorayk
Former Sindh advisor and father-in-law of (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain, Faisal Gabol, claimed Friday that he has been placed under house arrest by the provincial government.
Gabol, while speaking to Daily Times on the phone from his residence, said he was being detained but failed to give any reasons why. He said he did not know why he was not being allowed to leave his house. Gabol also said that he did not have any faith in his party, which is in power in Sindh
Kruman, Thanks. Will check it out.
Kawa,
I have seen atleast 3 versions on youtube. Here are 2 of them:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6V9AwSO3ae0
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gMSVYTgFIPA
To all supporters of Imran Khan. Please sign up on his web site as voters and financial supporters ( all those who can afford to contribute a little..). Money always helps!
http://www.insaf.org.pk/member/registration.aspx
Also send e mails to Nawaz Shareef to join hands with Imran Khan and both parties should form a political alliance for upcoming elections.
betterpakistan@gmail.com
drluqman@pml1.org
Ijaz Ul Haq today on Hamid Mir’s program deflected Hamid Mir’s question relating to Altaf Hussain’s speech in India by saying that BB provided lists of Sikh’s to India.
My point is that at least she gave away lists of Sikh’s not of Muslims. The present Govt of which Ijaz is part of gave away every Taliban Muslim fighter’s list to America and not just that but picked up hundreds of our own citizens to be handed over for $10,000 per head. If Taliban’s are criminals ( which they might very well be…never a supporter of those monsters) then Ijaz’s father (the squint eyed General)was responsible for creating Taliban..
Of all the leaders of Pakistan, Ijaz really ranks as the one with the lowest IQ. It’s surprising how he lasted in BCCI?
50-69, Moron. 20-49, Imbecile. below 20, Idiot
It’s obvious where he stands.