Pakistan blocks 2 independent news channels critical of the government without explanation
By APSaturday, October 10, 2009
Pakistan blocks 2 independent news channels
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan took two news channels off the air Saturday that had been covering attempts by soldiers to capture two militants who broke into army headquarters in an attack on the complex.
Geo and SAMA channels, known for critical reporting of the government, were blocked from broadcasting Saturday evening. Government officials were not available for comment.
A message from Pakistan’s media regulatory body appeared on those channels announcing it was temporarily suspending transmission of “independent news TV channels” until further notice. Several other TV news channels also known for their hard-hitting reporting continued to broadcast.
Like other news channels, the stations had been covering an attack early Saturday on the army headquarters compound by Islamist militants. The military said that two attackers had infiltrated the complex and were holed up inside.
Pakistan blocked the channels when then President Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency in November 2007. It also briefly blocked Geo during an anti-government rally earlier this year.
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October 12, 2009: 1:28 am
I don’t know about Samaa but Geo tv gives less importance to Pakistani good news and achievements. It really focuses on creating crisis and general discontent. They repeat demoralizing comments about Pakistan economy and other things which goes against our national interest. Geo tv can be called as extension of external powers. They make Pakistanis to think against Pakistan. This channel should have been banned earlier for its anti-Pakistan agenda. It is also believed that Geo tv receives funds from external powers. Few people think that Geo is Indian funded channel as it promotes their games, films and other things. Pakistan is passing through critical stage and media should play its positive, constructive role. I was watching Geo news when GHQ main picket was attacked by terrorists. I was astonished how they were reporting and especially precious analysis of Kamran Khan. He was speaking like a commentator regardless of any sensitivity of the situation. Government should ban such people who talks against Pakistan. |
Saif