Government curbing freedom of press
WASHINGTON- The Fontier Post issue is further tarnishing the image of the military government, which is being accused of curbing the freedom of press.
In a series of stories in the US media, the latest assault comes from Washington Post. Washington Post’s correspondent Pamela Constable writes that the Musharraf government’s response was not to arrest the vandals but to order the newspaper’s offices sealed and to detain the five staff members under controversial blasphemy law.
The report said that the government proposed changing the law last year but was forced to back down after religious groups protested. The Frontier Post was already plagued by financial losses, mismanagement and the incarceration of its publisher on drug smuggling charges.
But the recent events were purely about religion – both its sensitivity and volatility among devout Pakistani Muslims and its enormous sway over state institutions that are nominally secular.
The case has drawn criticism from western press and human rights groups, says the report. The hasty display of contrition was not enough to appease Peshawar’s powerful Islamic militant groups and their followers. An angry mob, spurred on by speeches from Islamic clerics, stormed the paper’s office and set fire to its press while police stood by, writes Post.
It quotes information secretary, Anwar Mahmood saying that the newspaper was sealed at its own request for protection. He said no harm would come to the detainees unless they were found guilty, and that the press in Pakistan has never been free. The five journalists, including an 80-year-old feature writer, are still behind bars awaiting a judicial hearing.
In interviews to Post in the Peshawar Central Jail this week, all agreed that the letter was an insult to Muslims. “The letter was blasphemous, but I had nothing to do with it,” Aftab Ahmad is quoted as saying. “I have five sisters, two daughters and sick parents. Why would I publish such a thing that would clearly offend the clergy and could spark a sharp response?”
Source: The News
Date:2/17/2001
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