When channels were off, the Internet was on
Karachi: As soon as the news of emergency broke out, various internet blogs and discussion forums got busy in expressing opinions.
Writers seemed to be quite confused and worried as to what actually had happened in the country. Metroblogging Karachi says: “BBC reports Pakistan has declared ‘State of Emergency’ while CNN reports ‘Martial Law’ declared in Pakistan,” said one post.
Everyone was upset with the fact that the TV channels had been taken off the air. People living abroad started calling their relatives and friends to confirm the news they had been listening on television. “I’m getting calls from abroad because of the news reports being presented there that emergency may have been declared in Pakistan,” said another post.
Many were puzzled as to the difference between emergency and martial law. “Can anyone please explain in detail the difference between Martial Law and Emergency,” a post raised question whereas no appropriate reply was contributed.
“I wonder what the Master wants now???…. They will use terrorism as an excuse but I don’t think its terrorism because now they have issued strict rules for press and judiciary,” stated another post from ‘In Love with Pakistan’ at a media community at Orkut.
Many speculated what the reason behind this decision could be. “I hope that the state of emergency is temporary, being a pessimist though, I think that that is not the case. I still hope this to be proven wrong,” was another comment.
“Dictator in true colorsÖ 160 million on stake for ‘One Man’ and the army blindly follow!” posted “Bitter truth” at the forum of Metroblogging.
Where many were upset with the emergency, there were also some who expressed contentment. “I am glad that the President took the right action. If people want Bhuttos and Sharifs then it is better to have emergency,” another post came from some blogger called ‘Obi Wan Kenobi.’ At a time when the private news channels were shut down, these blogs and forums remained a centre of attraction for many.
The participants continuously kept informing one another with the latest news they had been receiving from whatever sources they had. “President Musharraf will be addressing the nation later tonight,” informed one post as soon as he got the news.
Some posted from the blogs of other cities. “I checked around with friends at news channels in Karachi. Everything has been taken off-air. All news channels are out in Islamabad as well,” announced a post copied from Lahore’s metroblog.
Others announced about the closure of roads to the Judges Colony in Islamabad, a meeting of the Bar Council has been announced, and the posts went on.
The contribution went on over the blogs until the filing of this report, while one of the true comments raised a serious thought: “History being madeÖ.watch out now!”
Another said “It seems the country is heading downwards with more speed Should we wait to see it crash? Should we move out to another country? Or should we strive to save it,” posted by ‘I Unknown.
Source: The News
Date:11/4/2007
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