Media clampdown
HOW far the government is willing to go to deny people the right to information was made visible on Wednesday when shops selling satellite dishes were targeted by the police and forced to shut down. In Karachi electronics dealers complained that despite the fact that they possessed all the necessary documents needed to sell such equipment, the police cited the Customs Act for closing shops down, saying dealers did not have the clearance to sell the items. A similar report was filed from Lahore. In what can only be described as a hostile move, cable operators in Azad Kashmir, which does not come under the jurisdiction of Pakistan’s laws, were also asked to shut down all news channels. Anyone can see that these are mere intimidation tactics aimed at squashing any form of dissent. It is no wonder that a prominent human rights activist likened Pakistan to Myanmar where fundamental rights do not exist.
Similar sentiments are being expressed ostensibly because of the continued blackout of major independent TV news channels – they had not come on air at the time of writing. While international news channels like BBC and CNN can use their clout to get themselves back on air, it is not clear what criteria have been used to allow some local news channels to return to the airwaves since Wednesday, while others were still under ban. Did they agree to the government’s demand that they comply with the Pemra rules, amended soon after the emergency was imposed? If the government’s strategy is to muzzle the media by keeping the pressure on and make their businesses suffer it belies its oft proclaimed commitment to freedom of the media and the people’s right to information.
It is important that there is no compromise on editorial integrity for that would sound the death knell for freedom of speech and expression, a vital component of democracy. Both the print and electronic media are aware of their responsibility to provide objective reports and they must be allowed to do their jobs in an impartial and risk-free environment.
For this reason alone, the government should withdraw the curbs on the media and restore the broadcast of all channels. It is unjust to deny people the right to information. It is also unfair for cable operators and satellite dish owners who have businesses to run and are being adversely affected by the government’s decisions, for no fault of their own.
Source: DAWN
Date:11/10/2007
” 
” 
” 
” 
” 
