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Curbs on media attract criticism

Speaking to Khaleej Times, just after the Pakistan government announced a Press Ordinance, Dr Shahid Masood, of Geo TV said, “We have just received the copy of the ordinance which has listed several provisions, among which some prohibit journalists from criticising the government.”

“We all know that many TV channels are already off the air and there are curbs on radio and print media as well. The ordinance also says that the government will decide what to do with the media after meetings with Pakistan Broadcasting Association (PBA) and All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS),” he stated.

“The government is already in conflict with the judiciary, now it is open confrontation with the media. This will not be tolerated by the international community and it is expected that within hours or days, the government will face external pressure,” he opined, adding, “As working journalists, we will not accept this pressure.”

Television journalist Javed Malik said, “It was a dark day for Pakistan. Giving freedom to the judiciary and media was just a hollow claim which has been proved by the recent ordinance against the media. This promulgation aims at intimidating media persons under the guise of ‘emergency’.”

He also said that under this government, institutions in the country have eroded systematically. “Judges have been detained while TV channels have been blocked, and journalists and lawyers are being intimidated. This is unacceptable,” he added.

Tahir Muneer, a print media journalist said, “Till yesterday, when the media was working in General Pervez Musharraf’s favour, he allowed them all the freedom. Now it has exposed him, so there are curbs on it.

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