‘When other channels compromised,Geo took a stand… they have created history’
Calling the ban on Geo an action against the freedom of expression of all Pakistanis, Sindh’s nationalist parties have presented their tribute to the Geo management who refused to bow before censorship.
Ghinwa Bhutto, Chairperson Pakistan Peoples Party (Shaheed Bhutto), said that the action of the government against the media was a repetition of its mistake to curb the voice of the people. She said that these tactics would not affect the determination of the people to preserve their right to free speech. “We are very proud of Geo for resisting and not signing what the government had asked every one else to sign.” She said that, by resisting for their right of expression, Geo has become the number one channel for the Pakistani audience. “The media never disappears, it’s only dictators that go away,” she said, emphasising that this was the diktat of history.
Bhutto said that they always supported the media, which is enshrined in their party constitution. She said that their support for the freedom of expression and speech would continue till the existence of their party.
Rasool Bux Palijo, President Awami Tehreek (AT), called the ban on Geo’s transmission an act of terrorism. He asked what type of moderation this was. “We are ashamed to be called citizens of this country,” Palijo said, where voice of people is suppressed. Television channels of the entire world are open while in this country they are closed. Palijo called the action against the media injustice with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and this country.
He said that his party is protesting against the curbs on the media and judiciary, whereas more than 150 workers of his party have presented themselves for arrest so far.
Jalal Mahmood Shah, head of Sindh United Party (SUP), said that there should be no ban over the freedom of expression. Any ban on the freedom of the judiciary and freedom of expression would be harmful for the spirit of democracy, he said. Shah said that they had instructed their workers to support the media people whenever needed. Geo was leading the campaign for the freedom of expression, he added, though some other media groups were also showing an independent point of view.
Ali Hasan Chandio, Vice-Chairman, Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party, said that the press should be completely free. The press is a pillar of the state, he said, adding that if there are curbs on the media, it shows there in no freedom and democracy.
He said that Geo was telling the truth to the citizens of this country and around the world. Geo should be allowed to run its transmission; its voice should be freed, “which is voice of the whole country,” he added.
Abdul Khaliq Junejo, Chairman, Jeay Sindh Mahaz, said that the dictator had attacked the media by banning Geo. He said that Musharraf thought the media would unearth his unholy actions. “When other channels compromised, Geo took a stand. They have created history,” he said.
Junejo said that, whenever there had been curbs on the freedom of expression, his party had always supported the media.
Ameer Bhambhro, Chairman, Sindh National Party (SNP), said that martial law was imposed to curb the voice of the judiciary and the media. “Geo was representing 160 million people of Pakistan,” he said. By putting curbs over peoples’ representative media, he said, Gen Pervez Musharraf proved that his slogan was indeed, “Pehle Musharraf, Phir Pakistan.”
Gul Mohd Jakhrani, Secretary-General, Sindh National Front, condemning the ban, called it a tactic to curb voice of the people. Rulers should stop hiding their illegitimate actions by banning independent television channels, he said. “The ban on Geo should immediately be lifted,” he urged.
Source: The News
Date:11/17/2007
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