Public hits out at government for Geo Super ban
LAHORE: The public has strongly reacted to the ban on the transmission of the country’s sole and first sports channel, Geo Super, by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) at the behest of the federal government.
Terming the move vindictive, they have demanded immediate restoration of the channel’s transmission and action against those responsible for the unfair action.
Talking to The News, they expressed anger and resentment against the decision, saying the people of the country were deprived of watching the sports channel of their choice. Afzal Sheikh said it was regrettable that the country, which was witnessing the worst ever law and order situation and ever growing incidents of terrorism, was deprived of its only sports channel, which was promoting healthy and positive activities among people.
He said the government should shun its vindictive attitude and allow the Geo Group to work with dedication and commitment as ever.
Another citizen, Farrukh, was also of the similar views, saying Geo Super, being the first and the only sports channel of Pakistan, was the pride of the nation.
“It is unfortunate that the federal government is bent upon extending the maximum damage to Geo/Jang Group for giving it a tough time by exposing mega scandals of corruption and bad governance,” he maintained.
Shahzad, who owns a shop in the Allama Iqbal Town, was also quite critical of the latest move, saying the government was victimising and damaging the Geo Group as if no one was aware of all its actions.
He urged the judiciary to take notice of the situation and help the people of the country to watch their favourite sports channel.
He said Geo Super had made great contributions to the entire nation as it was promoting local talent as well as sports and games at the international level.
Sohaib Ahmed, a citizen, also expressed anger and said the government instead of punishing Geo Super should acknowledge the services it had rendered to present a positive image of the country at the international level.
He said he could not comprehend as to why a sports channel, promoting positive and healthy activities, needed security clearance.
Almost similar views were expressed by Kashif who said the ban on Geo Supper was a kind of blatant attack on the freedom of expression.
He said it was a unanimous demand of the public that the government should immediately restore transmission of Geo Super.
Another citizen, Arshad, said that not only the transmission of the channel should be restored but action should also be taken by those responsible for this unjust act.
Source: The News
Date:4/15/2011
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