Widespread support for Geo against ban in Sindh
KARACHI: Almost all the nationalist parties and the civil society of Sindh, while showing solidarity with Geo, has condemned the action of Pemra to ban Geo and impose a fine.
Some constitutional experts have also termed the decision as a vicious act against the freedom of the press.
Chairman Sindh United Party Syed Jalal Mehmood Shah said that terrifying the independent media in any form or in any name is not acceptable. We the people of Sindh are of the view that there should be no ban on freedom of press and will resist and agitate this autocratic step against Jang group.
He said that establishment had always termed the upright media organisations as traitors but history will prove the reality. Mr Shah said that the institution of Pemra collects the fees but never asserts its role properly. This shows that this decision had been taken under pressure of certain circles.
“This decision is also a question mark for the neutral, impartial and balanced role of Pemra,” added Shah.
Shah further stated that other political forces, civil society and the journalist community should clear their position whether they are with the democratic forces, freedom of the press or with the establishment.
Chairman Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) Sannan Qureshi said, “We believe in the independence of the media and rule of law. We support the independent media and condemn the ban on Geo. People of Sindh and workers of JSQM will stand by the media and democratic forces,” he added.
Talking to The News Dr Qadir Magsi Chairman Sindh Tarqi Pasand Party said Sindhi nationalists have condemned the ban on Geo.
He said the people of Sindh have some reservations on the attitude of the national media, including Jang group but at this stage we are with the Jang group and Geo, with the independence of media and will support them.
He said that Jang group and Geo has good record of presenting the real issues of common people and oppressed nations of the country, specially covering the Balochistan issue. He said people of Sindh will agitate against this undemocratic and unlawful action against the Jang group and will always support the independence of media.
Zulifiqar Halipoto a human rights activist and head of a think tank ‘Sindh Democratic Forum’ told The News that they as liberals had been critical of the stance of some senior writers of Jang group but at this time they had taken the right position.
He said that the people of Sindh will be with the Jang group and Geo and will launch a protest movement regarding Pemra’s decision to ban Geo.
Chairman Awami Jamhoori Party (AJP) Abrar Qazi said they are against any ban on the media. He said that the first time in the history of Pakistan the democratic forces had become stronger and now the role of military establishment should be reduced.
He said that the people of Sindh always believe in democracy and will stand with the freedom of the press at any cost because they had suffered in dictatorial eras.
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