« Exiled Bhutto seeks a return to Pakistan | Home | Pakistan deplores Rushdie honor »

Transmissions of 2 private TV channels ‘blocked’ in Pakistan

By admin | June 4, 2007

The government in Pakistan is reported to have blocked the transmission of the Geo News TV channel across the country, as the TV network says “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.

The calls of 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 across the country”.

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.

Aaj TV off-air

Meanwhile, Aaj TV News Controller Masoom Osmani said a “technical” fault could be responsible for the interruption, adding he was contacting the government to confirm the actual situation.

He did not rule out a government attempt to block the private media’s coverage of the judicial crisis, saying a PEMRA notice had instructed them to stop airing live debates and shows.

Info Minister Reax

When contacted, Federal Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani said, “I am not aware of any official suspension.” He said he should be contacted after 30 minutes, but according news report, was not available for a comment despite repeated tries following the prescribed time period.

Cable Operators Viewpoint

Meanwhile, CAP Chairman Khalid Sheikh said the organisation would not allow any transmission of coverage against the military and judiciary. He said benches would be established to monitor the channels’ transmissions.

On condition of anonymity, a CAP official said the Information Ministry was controlling the organisation. He said they had to comply or risk losing their livelihood.

PM on Freedom of Press

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Sunday said the government believes in freedom of press but the media should exercise it with responsibility and sense of duty and observe the code of ethics, rules and regulations in this regard.

Talking to newsmen after visiting Utility Store here in I-10 area, the Prime Minister urged the electronic media that they should abide by the rules, regulations and code of ethics, passed by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

The Prime Minister said PEMRA has code of ethics, and framed rules and regulations for the electronic media, which should be abided by the private TV channels.

He said the government wants freedom of press and expression but it should be with responsibility and implementations of rules and regulations.

The Prime Minister said the government is proud to have media freedom and expansion of TV channels as it has created job opportunities and opened the competition.

He said the freedom of expression and media should not be used against any other national institution and the media should only project the truth, and work for solidarity, progress and prosperity of the country.●

Topics: Pakistan News |