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A daily review of media coverage of media and communications issues. |
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Attack on Media
Intimidation
Press Corps and ‘nondescript’ journalists scuffle | Protests paralyze NA session |
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Journalists, Opposition members shout slogans against Pemra Ord | Speaker bans journalists’ entry for today
Journalists Wednesday boycotted the National Assembly against the Pemra Ordinance and torture of journalists amid a scuffle with 'nondescript' journalists' sitting in the Press Gallery.
The NA session was paralysed with noisy protests by opposition members against the Pemra ordinance while the question hour was suspended. The NA could not find a solution to the scuffle between the parliamentary press corps and the 'nondescript' journalists at the Press Gallery. NA Speaker Chaudhry Ameer Hussain offered the floor to maximum parliamentarians to evolve consensus on "the first incident of its kind in the country's parliamentary history" but the decision was postponed till today (Thursday).
The journalists boycotted the proceedings and raised slogans in the Press Gallery to force the government to withdraw the Pemra ordinance restraining the media.After the boycott, the journalists returned to the House and pointed finger at the presence of some 'nondescript' journalists' in the Press Gallery and allegedly tried to beat them up and manhandled one of them. Opposition parties also joined the journalists and started shouting slogans to show solidarity with the journalist community. Reacting to the commotion, the NA speaker suspended House business due to the unexpected brawl between the parliamentary Press corps and the unknown journalists. During the journalists' walkout, some so-called journalists reportedly known as special mediapersons from the Press Information Department (PID) did not heed the protest and keep sitting in the Press Gallery. Some senior journalists requested the so-called journalists to join the walkout, which they refused and abused the journalists.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/Fb_ShortNewsT.aspx?fbshortid=1978&fcatid=14&fstatus=Current&bcatid=14&bstatus=Current |
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NA entry passes for journalists cancelled |
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National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain has cancelled entry passes for journalists covering the ongoing NA session. According to the NA Secretariat, entry passes for the 41st NA session have been cancelled and new ones will be issued later and banned entry of journalist in the assembly building. This has created uncertainty among the journalists regarding coverage of today’s session. Daily Times has learnt that the government is contemplating restricting parliamentary coverage and asked each newspaper to send only two journalists to cover each NA session.
(Nation-5)
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg1_4
http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=8367
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Pakistani editors threatened in NY |
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A US media rights watchdog group said on Wednesday that editors of two Pakistani newspapers in New York City had been threatened over reports on criminal activity in the Pakistani-American community and other articles. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said threats had been made against the editors of Urdu-language newspapers Pakistan Post and Urdu Times and thousands of copies of the papers were destroyed. The group said that the free newspapers were targeted for stories on alleged criminal activities by Pakistani-Americans in New York City and opinion pieces by Jewish authors. “Our research shows that threats and destruction of property were in direct reprisal for the newspapers’ reporting and commentary,” Joel Simon, CPJ’s executive director, said in a letter to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg about the issue. The New York Police Department said its Hate Crime Unit was investigating the case after a complaint was made in late May. The newspapers’ editors reported to the CPJ that about 10,000 copies of each newspaper had been taken from their distribution racks in late May and later found illegally dumped. The CPJ urged Bloomberg to take action to ensure that the newspapers could continue to report without fear.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/07/nat4.htm |
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Media Protest
Journalists stage noisy NA protest |
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Journalists staged an unprecedented protest in the National Assembly on Wednesday, shouting ‘We want freedom,’ and ‘PEMRA Ordinance unacceptable’ in the Press Gallery to the applause of opposition members. The journalists walked out of the Press Gallery in protest at the new powers granted to PEMRA, but while government ministers negotiated with the press corps to try to end their boycott, the Ministry of Information sent a group of men posing as journalists to sit in the gallery. The journalists forcibly dragged the “strangers” out of the gallery when they refused to join the boycott and abused senior journalists. The protesting journalists also snatched a PTV camera from a government employee who was filming the scenes in the Press Gallery.
,a href="http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg1_3">http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg1_3
http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=8352
http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/jun-2007/7/index1.php
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Unprecedented press protests in assembly |
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A journalists’ protest against new government curbs on the electronic media disrupted the opening of the National Assembly’s last budget session on Wednesday and then put them virtually in the dock over allegedly provoked scuffles and slogan-chanting in the press gallery. The house set aside the question-hour and the other agenda for the day to debate the unprecedented incident in Pakistan’s parliamentary history for hours before Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain adjourned the proceedings until 10am on Thursday.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/07/top1.htm |
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Stage set for ‘Black Day’ protests today |
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Political parties and non-government organisations (NGOs) will observe 'Black Day' today (Thursday) and take part in protest rallies to be taken out by lawyers and journalists' bodies against the PEMRA Ordinance 2007, which bars the media from live coverage of events. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) and other opposition parties announced that they would take part in the lawyers' protest rally from the Punjab Assembly building to Governor's House.
(Nation-2)
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/ShortNewsT.aspx?shortid=3829&catid=3 |
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Journalists rally against anti-information laws today |
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The journalists community will stage a rally from Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Thursday, which will pass through Zainab Market, Fawwara Chowk and terminate at the Governor House against violence on journalists and imposition of curbs on the electronic media, Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) President Shamim-ur-Rehman announced on Wednesday. A memorandum will also be presented to the governor. The call for a countrywide Black Day was given by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists at its Islamabad meeting. Before taking out the rally, a protest meeting will be held at the KPC, which civil society organisations and politicians have been invited to attend.
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=59523 |
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Curbs on media widely condemned |
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Leaders of opposition parties and lawyers have strongly condemned the amendments in Pemra Ordinance.
In their statements, PML-N MNA Mehmoodul Hassan, MPA Nafees Ansari, District Bar Association President Akram Bhatti and General Secretary Noor Muhammad Tangra said the amendments were introduced by the government to block the way of truth. Mehmoodul Hassah said the imposition of the curbs was tantamount to eliminate the freedom of expression in the country. He said the government on one-hand talks of freedom of media while on other it was imposing restrictions on live coverage of events by the private TV channels.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/NatNewsT.aspx?dtlid=101050&catid=2 |
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PFUJ demo against curbs on media |
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Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) on Wednesday held a protest demonstration against curbs on media and registration of cases against journalists. Participants, including a large number of civil society representatives and lawyers, also blocked the Abdali Road. Carrying banners and placards, they also shouted slogans against the government for placing restrictions on media. Speaking on the occasion, PFUJ secretary-general Rao Shamim Asghar ripped to shreds the government for making amendments to the Pemra Ordinance. Pakistan Bar Council vice-chairman Mirza Aziz Akbar Baig, HCBA president Habibullah Shakir, Secretary-general Rana Naveed Ahmed, DBA president Akram Bhatti and Mumtaz Noor Tangra also spoke.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/07/nat31.htm |
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Progressive groups express solidarity with media |
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Various progressive political organisations held an open meeting in the Railways Colony, Dhoke Hassu expressing solidarity with the media in the face of attacks on its freedom by the government, and vowing to transform the lawyer-led movement for judicial independence into a genuine people's movement for democracy. The open meeting was attended by hundreds of local workers and also featured a skit prepared by PRM activists on the ongoing stand-off between the chief justice and the executive.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/NatNewsT.aspx?dtlid=101112&catid=2 |
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Lawyer's rally against reference, Pemra Ord today |
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The legal fraternity, besides observing Thursday (today) as a black day, will organise a protest rally and boycott courts to condemn the presidential reference against Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and amendment in the Pemra Ordinance 2007. Lawyers would hold demonstrations, take out rallies and wear black-bands on their arms as a mark of protest against the ban imposed on media.
(Nation-2)
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/MainNewsT.aspx?fdtl_id=783&fb_id=2&catid=14 |
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Black-coats to rally against gagging media |
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Lawyers across the country expressing solidarity with the journalists over the restrictions imposed on freedom of press through amended PERMA Ordinance, will observe Black Day on Thursday (today) by way of taking out 'Freedom of Press' rallies, holding meetings at their respective level to decry the curbs and boycotting the courts on the day to post their resentment against the government action.
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http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/jun-2007/7/localnews1.php |
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Small parties condemn media curbs |
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Various political parties on Wednesday condemned the government’s new restrictions on the media. The condemnation came after a meeting attended by local workers of the People’s Rights Movement (PRM), the Communist Party of Pakistan (CPP), the Inquilabi Democratic Workers’ Committee (IDWC) and the Communist Mazdoor Kissan Party (CMKP). The speakers on the occasion expressed their solidarity with journalists and called the media curbs an attack on freedom of expression. They vowed to transform the lawyers’ movement for judicial independence into a people’s movement for democracy. They demanded the government stop its “strong-arm tactics” against journalists and political workers.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg7_13 |
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Benazir slates restrictions on private channels |
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Former prime minister and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairperson Benazir Bhutto has slated the restrictions slammed on the private channels. In a statement issued Wednesday, she said the Pakistan People's Party had ushered in the period when press freedom was gagged. She said the PPP would support the journalists and media in support of press freedom, adding the actions against the press were one of desperation.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/IsbNewsT.aspx?dtlid=101101&catid=17 |
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Benazir Bhutto calls meeting on new media curbs |
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Sherry Rehman terms PEMRA Ordinance ‘anti-democratic’, ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘draconian’
Announces protest rally in Karachi today Pakistan People’s Party Chairwoman Benazir Bhutto has called an urgent meeting of the party’s Central Executive Council and Federal Council to discuss the recently promulgated Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Ordinance in Karachi today (Thursday). Sherry Rehman, information secretary of the party, said that the meeting has been called to take strong note of the PEMRA amendments and their ramifications on fundamental freedoms and the future of democracy in Pakistan.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg7_15 |
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Anti-Pemra march |
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The Pakistan People’s Party has planned an anti-Pemra march on June 7 to protest against curbs on media. The decision was made on a directive of PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto. The protest march, headed by PPP vice-chairman Makhdoom Amin Fahim, will begin at 4pm from Bilawal House and terminate at the Pemra Office. A large number of party workers from different parts of the city will participate in the protest. PPP also plans rallies in NWFP against curbs on media.
(News-2)
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/07/local25.htm |
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MMA protests against curbs on media |
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Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) on Wednesday staged a protest demonstration against the constraints imposed on electronic media and detention of its activists. The protest was attended by a large number of MMA activists, which held in front of the Parliament House. They were holding flags, placards and banners inscribed with slogans “Attack on media is unacceptable”, “Release workers of MMA”, “Remove ban from media”, and “Musharraf Qatel Movement (MQM)”.
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http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/jun-2007/7/nationalnews2.php |
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Civil society slams government for media curbs |
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Journalists, nongovernmental organisations and politicians criticised the government for hindering the media’s right to free expression in the ‘Media Freedom Conference’ organised by the Labor Party of Pakistan and the Action Aid on Wednesday. The participants said that the government merely wanted control over all institutions of the country and expressed solidarity with journalists and criticised the restrictions imposed on the media by PEMRA. They also condemned the arrests of and fake cases filed against journalists.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg13_9 |
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JI protests curbs on media, shows solidarity with lawyers |
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Jama’at-e-Islami (JI) held a protest rally against the government’s ban on the electronic media and to show solidarity with the lawyers on Wednesday. The protestors, who were also joined by relatives of missing persons, gathered outside Parliament and chanted anti-government slogans that targeted President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg11_4 |
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Lawyers condemn action against TV channels |
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Nawabshah District Bar Association (DBA) on Wednesday condemned blocking of transmission of two private TV channels and demanded that the government should immediately withdraw the amended Pemra ordinance.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/07/nat44.htm |
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City Council unanimously slams PEMRA Ord |
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Strongly condemning the President amendment in PEMRA ordinance 2007, the opposition and treasury members in the City Council on Wednesday approved a resolution unanimous majority demanding the ordinance to be reverted with immediate effect. The session was presided over by City Nazim Nazim, Nasreen Jalil, who expressed solidarity with the print and electronic media community for the freedom of press. The members of the council also held a joint demonstration in the premises of old KMC building to express the solidarity with the journalist community.
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http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/jun-2007/7/nationalnews7.php |
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Lawyers and journalists to observe ‘black day’ today |
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The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) will observe a ‘black day’ today (Thursday) throughout the country to express solidarity with media organisations and against the government measures “depriving people of their right to information”. In a joint statement, PBC Vice Chairman Mirza Aziz Akbar Baig and PBC Executive Committee Chairman Qazi Muhammad Anwar condemned the promulgation of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2007. They said it was yet another blow to the press freedom and people’s right to information. Appealing on behalf of the PBC, Baig and Anwar urged lawyers, provincial bar councils and all bar associations throughout Pakistan to observe a ‘black day’ on Thursday to express solidarity with the electronic and print media. They also assured the full support and cooperation of the legal fraternity to the journalists in their struggle. The journalist community has also decided to observe a ‘black day’ against restrictions on media today (Thursday), Online reported.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg7_18 |
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Demonstration against ban on TV channel |
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A protest demonstration was held in the provincial metropolis on Wednesday to denounce the ban imposed on broadcasts of different TV channels and against the new Pemra Ordinance.
The demonstration was arranged by the Balochistan Electronic Media Association (BWMA) and Quetta Union of Journalists. Chairman BEMA, Abdul Sattar Kakar; General Secretary, Zahoor Baloch; Amanullah Shadenzai and President Balochistan Bar Association, Baz Muhammad Kakar led the protest rally.
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=59436 |
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PONM proposes strike against media curbs |
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Pakistan Oppressed Nations Movement chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai has proposed to opposition parties to observe a two-day countrywide strike against the Pemra ordinance placing curbs on media, “government’s assault on the judiciary” and denial of political and democratic rights to people. Speaking at a press conference at the press club here on Wednesday, he said if the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy and the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal accepted four points of PONM, it would join hands with them to extricate the country of the present crisis.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/07/nat22.htm |
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IFJ supports black day protest |
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The International Federation of Journalists has expressed its backing for the observance of june 7 as a black day by its affiliate, the PFUJ.
(Nation-3)
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APHR condemns amended Pemra Ord |
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The Alliance for Protection of Human Rights (APHR) has condemned the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Amended Ordinance 2007. A press release issued here on Wednesday said that there was no justification to promulgate the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2007 by the President on Monday, June 4. The Ordinance is aimed at putting new curbs on the electronic media and the fundamental right of freedom of expression, it added.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/NatNewsT.aspx?dtlid=101123&catid=2 |
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SAMC criticizes govt crackdown on media freedom |
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The South Asia Media Commission (SAMC) on Wednesday lashed out against a government crackdown on media freedom in Pakistan. President Pervez Musharraf granted the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) extra powers on Monday after criticising coverage of the suspension of Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. PEMRA can now seal the premises or confiscate the equipment of television and radio channels, and suspend the licences of offenders. The decree also sharply increases the fine for violation of rules.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg7_17 |
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Govt warned against ‘muzzling the media’ |
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The Commission for Peace and Human Development has cautioned the government against imposition of curbs on the media and harassment of journalists. Condemning the promulgation of Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2007, Commission Executive Director Waseem Anthony said that independent media was essential for the national security, solidarity and protection of institutions, but the government had given extraordinary powers to Pemra to muzzle the media through seizure of equipment, sealing of premises and suspension of licenses.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/07/nat40.htm |
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HRW asks for immediate repeal of PEMRA Ordinance |
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The Pakistan government should immediately rescind the presidential decree imposing tight restrictions on the country’s broadcast media, Human Rights Watch (HRW) suggested on Wednesday. President General Pervez Musharraf’s decree gives the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulation Authority (PEMRA) the unfettered power to halt broadcast transmissions, close offices, seize equipment, revoke licences and increase fines for violations tenfold. The government has already placed tight restrictions on live broadcasts, HRW stated. “The Pakistani media is only doing its job by reporting on the government’s troubles. Pakistani citizens denied access to information are now paying the price,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Musharraf’s decree is a disgraceful assault on media freedom imposed by a leader who came to power by a coup instead of the ballot box.”
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg7_14 |
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Journalists protest killing of NWFP official |
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The information department, Khyber Union of Journalists and Peshawar press club staged a demonstration in front of press club to condemn the murder of director Information NWFP, demanding arrest of immediate arrest of killers.
(Daily Times-A4)
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Killing of tribal journalist condemned |
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Local journalists and political leadrs in Landi kotal staged a protest demo Wednesday to condemn the brutal killing of tribal journalist Noor Hakim. Committee to Protect Journalists has joined the Tribal Union of Journalists in mourning the death of Noor Hakim who killed in a remote control bomb blast in Bajur.
(News-4)
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NA press gallery’s sanctity flouted |
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Mumtaz Alvi reports, “It is hoped that a better scene will prevail and hopefully, the entry of unauthorized persons would be banned.”
(News-9)
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Letter to Editor “Ban on media” |
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Dr Irfan Zafar comments, “So finally the government seems to have run out of patience to hear and see the truth by banning the live coverage of the events surrounding the suspension of the Chief Justice. What the government doesn't understand is that the truth is not something physical which can be eliminated by suppression and force. In fact the opposite happens resulting in a catalyst effect which can bring down the structures of power, sooner than they were expected to happen. This is just the beginning of the end of another sorry period of our history.”
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=59386 |
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Letter to editor “Media liberal policy” |
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KHALID I .KHAN comments “Lately, there has been virtually a mushroom growth of both print and electronic media in the country. This was mainly due to the liberal policy in this regard adopted by President General Pervez Musharraf and his regime. Given the unprecedented freedom, the media, mainly the electronic media in the private sector, flourished all round in recent years. Everything was going along smoothly.”
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/LetNews.aspx?dtlid=101085&catid=4 |
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New Pemra law sparks controversy |
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The presidential ordinance amending the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) law while the Senate is in session, has revived an old debate over such ‘instant legislation’.
Even the Supreme Court once took a very serious note of such ‘high-speed law-making’ without the involvement of the Parliament when the legislature does exist, and ruled that ordinances should be issued only in unavoidable circumstances. But generally, successive governments, the present dispensation being no exception, have been doing such legislations mostly for realization of their political agenda on an emergency basis. The current ordinance is also an apt example to the effect. The present set-up is aware that it would take months to have its choice amendments inserted in the Pemra law that it has now introduced, had they gone through the process of law-making in both the chambers of the Parliament. It would have been too time-consuming for the government while it needed at once how to get a ‘tool’ to deal with the ‘errant’ electronic media.
(Jang-1)
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=59552 |
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Redrawing battle lines |
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Battle lines against the media are likely to be drawn afresh amid a pitched war between government and private broadcasters when there is strong opposition of just promulgated amendments in Pemra law, dubbed as black law even in senior official echelons.
(News-1) (Jang-1)
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Daily Times Editorial “Time to step back from the precipice” |
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“It is clearly time to step back from the brink of total disaster, to cancel the PEMRA amendment ordinance, and announce elections at the earliest possible date so that the momentum of a negative trend in the country is broken. President Musharraf’s most significant achievement, namely the country’s economic turnaround, is under threat and must be saved at all cost.”
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg3_1 |
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After Judicary, attempt to control media |
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Rana Gulam Qadir in report ‘After Judiciary, attempt to control media’ comments “new front against media can be proved a fatal act for government.”
(Jang-Supplement)
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Na unka Jabar Nia ha, Na apna Dard nia ha |
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Jang Columnist Nazeer Naji comments in column ‘neither their coerce new, nor our pain new’ “talks between media and government should continue. Ordinance will provide no benefit to nation and government. Let it die.”
(Jang-Column)
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Hidiatnama Pemra Sarfeen |
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Nawa-i-Waqt columnist Aftab Iqbal in Hidiatnama Pemra Sarfeen “guidelines for Pemra consumers” comments , “To implement rules and regulation, Pemra has decided to issue a guideline booklet in light of Presidents directives, some of extracts are given for guidance.”
(Nawa-i-Waqt-4)
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Nawa-i-Waqt editorial |
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Nawa-i-Waqt editorial comments, “Case against journalists and new amendments in Pemra Ord should be withdrawn immediately. Private channels should be allowed to work freely.”
(Nawa-i-Waqt- editorial)
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Is history really repeating itself?” |
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Nawa-i-Waqt columnist Javed Siddique comments on recent curbs on media, “Govt believes that curbs can settle problems and normalcy will be back in country. It was also the belief of past rulers. Is history really repeating itself?”
(Nawa-i-Waqt- Column)
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Ummat Editrial |
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Ummat editorial comments on curbs against media “It is need of time that media and govt should show responsibility. Media should remain impartial and avoid becoming a party in tussle. Friendly ties between govt and media can present good image of the country. ”
(Ummat- Editorial)
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Post Editorial “Curbing rights” |
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“The media in Pakistan is responsible and if only the government had tried to discuss the situation with the media organisations in a peaceful manner instead of resorting to draconian laws, the situation would not have gotten this bad. It is hoped that the government itself would revoke the Pemra ordinance and realise that censorship has no scope in today’s world.”
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/EditorialNews.aspx?dtlid=101075&catid=10 |
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Breathing space by Farrukh Khan Pitafi |
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“Now when I go through these lines, I feel ashamed. To be fair, I could never have imagined that this man could wreak so much havoc for the media and insult the sensibilities of the common man so blatantly. He now advises us on the best ways through which media can exercise self-censorship and that too on the record! Can you believe this?”
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/OpinionNews.aspx?dtlid=101076&catid=11 |
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The News Cartoon |
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http://thenews.jang.com.pk/stocks/2007-06-07/cartoon.htm |
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Dawn Cartoon |
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/07/cart.htm |
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Daily Times Cartoon |
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg3_7 |
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Media in Court
Judicial remand for five journalists |
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Civil Judge Javed Iqbal Wednesday refused to grant physical remand of five regional journalists of Makhdoompur Pahuran, and instead sent them to prison on a 14-day judicial remand. The journalists are Muhammad Ayyub Khan Niazi, Hafiz Irfan Ahmed Malik, Lal Khan Bhatti, Mirza Nasir Ali and Dr. Rana Abdul Sattar They told newsmen that they had pointed out a number of narcotics and gambling dens in the area which enraged police. On Tuesday, three journalists Muhammad Ayyub Khan Niazi, Hafiz Irfan Ahmed Malik and Lal Khan Bhatti went to police station to collect the details of a clash between two rival groups. The SHO Police Station Makhdoompur Pahuran, Muhammad Yousaf, ordered the subordinate staff to take them to lock-up. Upon this, the Journalists approached the DPO Khanewal, but he did not respond positively. Other journalists immediately arranged court’s bail orders, but neither DSP Mian Tanveer Ahmed nor the SHO entertained the orders. Then a magistrate sent his reader (a clerk) with bail bonds, but the thana Moharar flatly refused to accept them at 0200am with the plea that "high-ups wanted to teach them a lesson". On his remarks, other journalists got infuriated. Then police locked the police station’s gate and arrested another two journalists, Mirza Nasir Ali and Dr Rana Abdul Sattar. They informed the court that SHO Muhammad Yousaf disrobed them in the presence of DSP Mian Tanveer Ahmed and subjected them to torture. On Wednesday morning the detained journalists observed a hunger strike and refused to take breakfast. The town where the incident took place is situated in the suburbs of Khanewal, some 65 kilometres east of Multan.
http://www.thepost.com.pk/NatNewsT.aspx?dtlid=101051&catid=2
http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/07/nat29.htm
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Pemra Ord annulment sought |
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Two members of the Sindh Bar Council requested the high court on Wednesday to declare the Pemra ordinance null and void for being repugnant to the Constitution. Petitioners Salahuddin Gandapur and Mohammad Aqil submitted through Advocate Mustafa Lakhani that arbitrary powers conferred on the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority by the ordinance were not only violative of article 19 of the Constitution, which guaranteed the freedom of expression and of the press, but also of the principles of natural justice inasmuch its section 39-A empowered the Pemra to act against television channels without a show-cause notice. They also questioned president’s authority to promulgate an ordinance on the eve of a National Assembly session and when the Senate was already in session. The ordinance, they said, was aimed at blocking the lawyers’ movement from public view |
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=59518 |
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More petitions moved in SHC against PEMRA Ordinance |
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Lawyers Salahuddin Gandapur and Muhammad Aqil on Wednesday moved the Sindh High Court (SHC) against The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) (Amendment) Ordinance 2007. They filed a constitution petition that named the federal secretary, ministry of information and broadcasting, federal law secretary, provincial law secretary and the PEMRA as respondents. The petitioners maintained that on March 9, the president had sent out a reference to the Supreme Judicial Council against the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP), under Article 209 of the Constitution of Pakistan, allegedly declaring him as non-functional.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg7_12 |
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Media Unions
Election for Crime reporters Association |
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Polls for Islamabad Crimes Reporters Association held in local hotel. According to new hierarchy of office bearers, Aziz Alvi Patron, Nayyar Waheed Chairman, Tariq Usmani Chief Organizer, Ifthkhar Chudhary President. New office bearers vowed to work against crimes.
(Express-2)
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Media Miscellaneous
Musharraf Wants amended PEMRA ord implemented in letter and sprit |
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On curbs on the media, Musharraf said the amended PEMRA Ordinance should be implemented in letter and spirit to protect prestigious state institutions from being maligned. The sources said that the parliamentarians were directed to ensure quorum in the house during the budget session.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg7_10 |
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Aziz withdraws cases against journalists |
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Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Wednesday directed for immediate withdrawal of cases, registered against about 200 journalists for violating a ban on gatherings in the capital on Monday. The Secretariat Police Station had registered cases against journalists under Section 188 for violating Section 144, protesting against the amended Pemra Ordinance and delivering anti-government speeches. Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani had informed the prime minister about registration of cases. Reacting immediately, Aziz called Interior Secretary Kamal Shah and directed him to withdraw the cases. AP adds: Although no journalists have been arrested for rallying in Islamabad to condemn a presidential decree that tightened regulation of electronic media, the government has come under sharp criticism for what appears to be a crackdown on press freedoms.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/Ba_ShortNewsT.aspx?fbshortid=1955&bcatid=14&bstatus=Current&fcatid=14&fstatus=Current |
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Govt suspends changes in Pemra Ordinance |
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Six-member committee to review law. The government has suspended any proceedings under the Pemra Amendment Ordinance against the electronic media till a six-member committee reviews the recent changes in the ordinance and submits its report to the prime minister. According to a statement issued late on Wednesday night, the committee will submit its report to the prime minister within the shortest possible time and till such time the proceedings under the Pemra Amendment Ordinance, 2007 will not be initiated against electronic media. A meeting of the TV channels and newspapers' owners was held with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Islamabad on the matter concerning the recently promulgated Pemra Amendment Ordinance. Federal Minister for Information Muhammad Ali Durrani, Secretary Information Syed Anwar Mahmood and Secretary General PML Mushahid Hussain Sayed represented the government side. The meeting was also attended by the Chairman Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, President, All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Hameed Haroon, Secretary-General, APNS, Muhammad Aslam Kazi and Arif Nizami of APNS. After the prime minister heard the representation made by the media delegation with respect to the withdrawal of the ordinance, it was decided that all options of Pemra Amendment Ordinance, promulgated on June 4, 2007, would be reviewed in totality by the six-member committee, comprising three members, one each from PBA, APNS and CPNE and three senior government officials from the Federal Ministry of Information, Ministry of Law and Pemra.
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=8351 |
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Govt agrees to review Pemra Ord |
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The government late Wednesday night decided to review PEMRA Amendment ordinance, 2007 and restrained Pemra from initiating any action against electronic media. The decision was taken at a meeting between PM Aziz and representatives pf owners and editors of print and electronic media organizations. It was decided at the meeting that a six member committee, comprising three members each from PBA, APNS and CPNE and three senior officials from ministries of information, law, Pemra, would review in totality the ordinance.
(Dawn-1)
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Body to be formed for media-govt reconciliation |
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A five-member committee will be formed to enhance cooperation between media and the government. According to sources, the committee will be announced formally consisting of member of Pakistan Broadcasting Association, APNS and Information and Broadcasting Ministry. The committee will give ultimate decision on the controversial issues.
http://www.thepost.com.pk/IsbNewsT.aspx?dtlid=101106&catid=17
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg1_5
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State Department fails to condemn PEMRA Ordinance |
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Says unaware of any media outlet closures, Stresses importance of accurate and objective reporting Reiterates ‘greater press freedom’ under Musharraf, warns against any reversal
The United States State Department on Tuesday continued to soft pedal the growing crisis of media freedom in Pakistan, spearheaded by Islamabad’s enforcement of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Ordinance 2007. At the department’s daily briefing, spokesman Sean McCormack responded to claims that the State Department had been “circumspect” in relation to media freedom in Pakistan as compared to its far more forthright comments on the closure of a single Venezuelan television channel, by reiterating: “(W)e’re watching very closely the events in Pakistan”.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg7_19 |
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Govt must come to terms with free media: US |
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The United States has urged the government of Pakistan to come to terms with new freedoms emerging in its society and not to use a recent presidential decree for closing media outlets.“The Pakistani government is going to need to come to terms with new freedoms that are emerging in Pakistani society, concerning freedom of expression and the media as well,” State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told a briefing in Washington.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/07/top9.htm |
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British envoy discusses curbs on media with Jamali |
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British High Commissioner to Pakistan Robert Brinkley met former prime minister Mir Zaffarullah Khan Jamali at the Balochistan House on Wednesday. Matters related to overall political situation in the country, judicial crisis, general elections and curbs on media were discussed between the two in their one-and-a-half hours meeting, sources said. The former PM briefing the UK High Commissioner on the current political situation in the country in the light of his experience and political know-how said President Musharraf wanted transparent general elections as he had pledged to the international community.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/IsbNewsT.aspx?dtlid=101104&catid=17 |
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Durrani to appear in weekly PTV World programme |
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Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani is expected to appear as a guest in weekly PTV world programme named "Such To Ya Hai." The weekly programme will be recorded on 8th at the PTV centre, said executive producer Wednesday. The programme will be telecast on 9th, according to the schedule.
The amended ordinance of Pemra will be the main topic of discussion and Iftikhar Rasheed Chairman of Pemra, Tahir A Khan, representative of Pakistan Broadcasting Association, Humayun Gohar, prominent journalist and columnist, Khalid Shaikh, Chairman of all Pakistan Cable Operators Association and journalist would participate in the programme.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/IsbNewsT.aspx?dtlid=101103&catid=17 |
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New PEMRA Ord unnecessary: Afgan |
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Federal Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Sher Afgan Niazi said on Wednesday the Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority (PEMRA) Amended Ordinance should not have been issued because it had damaged the government’s reputation. “There was no need to immediately promulgate the ordinance,” Afgan told a private TV channel. “A meeting should be held between President Pervez Musharraf and all stakeholders to resolve all issues,” the minister said. He said the ordinance should be withdrawn. “The government could have achieved its objectives without amending the ordinance,” he added.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg7_16 |
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BA session to feature Pemra ord on June 7, 2007 |
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The Balochistan assembly will debate Thursday the empowerment of Pemra through a presidential order. Journalists will observe black day on Thursday, bocott BA session.
(Daily Times-A3)
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Condolence reference at press club | Arrest of Mehdi’s killers demanded |
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Speakers at a condolence reference for information director late Syed Mehdi Hussain demanded of the government to arrest the killers, provide financial assistance to the deceased family as was announced for DIG late Malik Saad, and transfer the elder son of Mehid Hussain to Khyber Medical College Peshawar, who is presently studying at Ayub Medical College Abbottabad.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/NatNewsT.aspx?dtlid=101119&catid=2 |
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New NWFP information officer |
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The NWFP government has ordered posting of Faridullah Khan, deputy director information (BS-18) as NWFP director information, in his own pay scale with immediate effect till further orders, says a notification issued here Wednesday.
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=8370 |
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Afghan media team visits Peshawar University |
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A three member Afghan media delegation representing daily newspapers, news agencies and electronic channels visited the Area Study Centre for Russia, China and Central Asia.
(Nation-20)
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Rehmat Afridi in agony in jail, says son |
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The Frontier Post managing editor (Peshawar and Quetta) Jaleel Afridi said on Wednesday the Kot Lakhpat Jail administration had been mistreating his father Rehmat Shah Afridi, owner and chief editor of the English-language newspaper The Frontier Post. In a press release, he said the jail administration had not provided any facility to his father despite the fact that his father had never violated the jail rules during the last 9 years of his imprisonment.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\07\story_7-6-2007_pg7_23 |
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Journalist appeals for assistance |
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Senior journalist Anwer Ali khan Durrni from Peshawar appeals for aid. He was working in Mashraiq but pension was not paid after the privatization of newspaper. He is suffering diabetes. He has been on bed since 1994 due to paralyzed body. He has appealed to NGOs and donors to help him. He can be contacted on his address: Anwer Ali Khan Durrani Kocha Nadir Ali, House#2772, Chowk Nasir khan, Peshawar city.
(Nawa-i-Waqt- Letter to Editor Column page)
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Theater
Stage actress abused |
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A stage actress registered an FIR against a transporter for assaulting her and her sister and tearing their clothes. Meanwhile, in a seperate case, a television actress registered a dacoity case conducted by her friends. Rohi Sanam a stage actress stated that she was at her house situated in Aisha Heights, Tauheed Commercial, Phase-V, DHA with her sister when Rehmatullah Kakar came at her door, forcibly entered her house, and grabbed her. On her resistance, he tore her clothes and attacked her. Sanam said that their hue and cry drew neighbours who came to their rescue. They caught the accused and informed the police who registered an FIR and put the accused behind bars. A TV actress Saba Siddiqi resident of Sector-X-4, Gulshan-I-Maymar stated that while on the night of June 3 and 4, her friends Yasmin Abbasi and Rabia alias Hibba visited her house, stayed overnight and left early in the morning.
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=59536 |
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Cable Operators
Cable operators face government - repression |
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In a bid to tame the electronic media, the government is regularly monitoring all cable operators and pressurising them to shut off transmission of all those channels which show live coverage of anti-government rallies, talk shows on currents issues and the activities of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary. Several cable operators told The Post that they were being intimidated on a daily basis. The government provides all cable operators a list of channels to go on air and they have to put up with it, they said.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/MainNewsT.aspx?bdtl_id=6025&fb_id=2&catid=14 |
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Two cable operators stabbed to death |
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Four persons in Mingora attacked the office of a local operator here Wednesday and stabbed to death two operators for disconnecting their cable connection for non payment of monthly bills.
(News-3)
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Copy Rights
Punjab varsity protects its cheating teachers |
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The row between Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Punjab University (PU) over the plagiarism issue does not seem to be coming to its logical end, as both parties are sticking to their stated positions. The HEC is of the view that the Punjab University teachers, who were found involved in cheating research work done by others, should be removed from service, whereas the varsity has recommended only minor punishments for them. The Punjab university registrar had reportedly argued that it was very much the varsity’s internal matter and the HEC had nothing to do with it in this regard. On the other hand, the commission, led by Dr Attaur Rehman, said it was not a matter of Punjab university teachers alone.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/07/nat11.htm |
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Govt vows to enforce intellectual property rights |
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Federal Secretary Information Technology Farrukh Qayyum on Wednesday said the government was committed to enforcing intellectual property rights (IPR) and projects being approved by the IT ministry had allocation for software licenses. “We feel that this would reduce the need for piracy,” he said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of an open source resource centre set up by the IBM Pakistan at the Nust Institute of Information Technology.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/07/nat14.htm |
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Telecommunication
PTA to inspect cellphone franchises: Rules’ violations reported |
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The Pakistan Telecommunic-ation Authority will start inspecting franchises of mobile phone companies across the country from next month and those found violating PTA instructions will be sealed forthwith, it is learnt. The PTA had learnt that in the absence of any proper (pervious) record, a number of cell phone connections were being issued on one CNIC. PTA chairman Maj. Gen Shahzada Alam Malik (retired) has recently directed the cellular mobile operators to ensure that details about the customers acquiring (mobile) connections from the companies and of those already having them should properly be documented before issuing new connections. A PTA official told Dawn on Wednesday that proper procedure was not being adopted with regard to acquiring the particulars of the customers intending to have a cell phone connection. He said PTA had also received a number of complaints in this regard, however it was not maintaining its complete record.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/07/nat34.htm |
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DISCLAIMER: The contents, including news and headlines, in this newsletter are reproduced from their respective publications ad verbatim as a public service to media observers. Internews does not author the contents and these, therefore, do not necessarily reflect organizational policy.
Updated at 11:00 PST (06:00 GMT) |
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