By Darwaish
Another unfortunate development of the day and I am unable to understand who is advising government of making such foolish decisions.
It seems now that the Government of Pakistan has banned Kamran Khan Show as yet another casualty in the ongoing saga of the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s (CJP) removal from office. Geo has just made it public and Kamran Khan appeared on Geo News just a few moments ago and apologized to viewers that he would not be able to present his show due to this ban (audio of what he said, here).
It was Kamran Khan Show in which Mr Wasi Zafar’s misbehavior on VOA was reported (video of that program here). He was also the host of Geo’s live transmission which showed and commented on the misbehavior with Chief Justice of Pakistan and his family last Monday. I guess Kamran Khan has finally paid the price of speaking the truth and his efforts to present facts to the people of Pakistan.
GEO TV website has this information on how the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has banned this show:
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has imposed ban on “Aaj Kamran Khan Key Sath”, the famous programme of Geo Television Network.
“Aaj Kamran Khan Key Sath” has been stopped as the government has imposed ban on it, said the spokesman of the Geo Television Network.
It was regretted at 11:05 PM, when this programme starts daily, that the programme could not be aired due to government ban.
Reacting to the ban on this programme, Kamran Khan, the host of the programme, condemned the government action and said that there was no other agenda of the said programme except making people aware of real facts and correct analysis.
This is a direct attack on freedom of press and freedom of expression. Looks like we will now see more bans if Pakistani Media didn’t cooperate with the government. I am also wondering what will happen to the Ansaar Abbasi now. We should all condemn this unjust action? But HOW?
Here are two samples of video clips from the Kamran Khan Show related to this issue.
Here is GEO’s own report on the attack on its office.
Message from Altaf Hussain on attack on GEO office.
Hamid Mir interviews Gen. Musharraf on the attack.
Welcome to the real world!! Phrases like ‘freedom of speech & expression’ look quite funny. Somehow, I am remembering an indian movie, I don’t remember the story but the name of the movie was ‘Ghundaa Raaj.’
This is clearly an attack on the freedom of speech. Kamran Khan simply reflected a true event. This is an attack on media. Geo should not have agreed to this. If the judiciary and journalism is caged then what are we left with?
So here is my advice:
1) Please advice Mr. Kamran Khan to continue his show on the alternative media such as blogs, youtube, metacafe, dailymotion etc. Even if he has to shoot it from his own home. Even more people will watch it now. Also contact foreign channels immediately like AlJazeera or Star Network to pick up the show.
2)The press n media MUST NOT give in to this intimidation and continue bringing the truth with even greater force. So other shows should pick up this story. If they impose a ban, so be it, they cant do that forever, let the nation see.
3) File a petition (like LUMS did) against the Law minister, see if it can be posted here & signed. And Submit to the SC.
The People of Pakistan are with those who speak the truth and stand for justice & peace.
Are we heading towards an emergency situation???
Another slap in the face of all the pro-army, pro-Musharraf apologists. Turns out this dictator only likes free speech as long it doesn’t inconvenience him. This whole CJ episode is a serious issue, a debate on democratic values, on ad-hoc governments and dictators, on the freedom of the press. Don’t let the intensity die down.
“This is a direct attack on freedom of press and freedom of expression. ”
How can there be an attack on something that does not exist in the first place?