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A daily review of media coverage of media and communications issues. |
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Attack on Media
Intimidation |
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Journalists barred from parliament
An angry National Assembly speaker barred journalists from parliament on Thursday in a show of insensitivity to their protests against new media curbs and what critics called the regime’s desperation in the face of a democratic movement spurred by the prevailing judicial crisis. It was another first in Pakistan’s parliamentary history as Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain was quoted to have ordered his staff not to let journalists enter the parliament building to cover Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly in what seemed to be a reprisal for a previous day’s unprecedented incident when they chanting slogans from the press gallery had scuffles with non-journalists who allegedly tried to undermine their protest walkout by occupying reporters’ seats. Only members of the state media — the Pakistan Television, Radio Pakistan and the Associated Press of Pakistan -- were allowed entry to cover the second day’s proceedings of the present lower house’s last budget session in its fifth year whose opening day on Wednesday was marked by protests by journalists and the opposition against a newly-promulgated Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) (Amendment) Ordinance providing for easier and harder punishments for perceived violations of the original Pemra law.
http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/top3.htm
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\08\story_8-6-2007_pg1_5
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Journalists barred from entering NA |
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Opposition protests cancellation of entry passes; Wasi terms journalists ruffians
The Constitution Avenue on Thursday witnessed a grim environment when for the first time in the parliament’s history; the fourth pillar of the state was barred from covering the proceeding of the Lower House. To add insult to injury, Law Minister Wasi Zafar used unparliamentary language against the journalists, terming them ruffians. He also made highly objectionable gestures towards the media persons.
The strong protest lodged the other day in parliament by journalists against the promulgation of amended Pemra Ordinance and suspension of the transmission of local TV channels, could not be digested by the government and ultimately the whole media on Thursday was barred from entering the premises of the parliament to discharge their professional obligations. The refusal and harsh attitude adopted by the government not to allow media men, who had already announced to observe Thursday as “black day” across the country against the curbs on electronic media prompted the media men to further reinforce their protest against the government and chanted slogans in favour of freedom of press. The joint opposition while expressing solidarity with the media made a token walk out form the National Assembly to endorse the protest of the media.
(Jang-1) |
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=8377 |
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My children threatened and traced: Hamid Mir |
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Geo host, renowned journalist Hamid Mir has told to New York Times, “Further curbs on media are expected. He is sending his children abroad due to death threats. His children are being threatened and traced on way to school.” CR Shamsi asked for guaranteed security for media men. Kashif Abbasi told that media was being asked not to debate on army and judiciary.”
(Jang-8)
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PA debate on Pemra ordinance scuttled |
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Deputy Speaker Mohammad Aslam Bhootani, who chaired the proceeding of the Balochistan Assembly on Thursday, did not allow debate on an adjournment motion tabled by the opposition leader despite backing from the MMA ministers. Opposition Leader Kachkol Ali’s motion regarding the suspension of private TV channels, cases against working journalists and government threats to Geo TV’s Dr Shahid was admitted on June 5. Provincial ministers Maulana Abdul Wasay, Maulana Wahid Siddique and Maulana Ataullah did not agree with the chair that the motion could not be discussed since the matter was subjudice and said that if the issue of the chief justice that was pending before the Supreme Court could be discussed in the house then why could one not debate the threats to journalists. Initially, the deputy speaker said that the motion could not be debated as the movers were not present in the house. Maulana Wasay said the motion was now the property of the house and, therefore, discussion should be permitted.
http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/nat3.htm
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\08\story_8-6-2007_pg7_13
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Urdu papers in New York threatened |
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A US media rights watchdog group said on Wednesday that editors of two Pakistani newspapers in New York City have been threatened over reports on criminal activity in the Pakistani-American community and other articles. The Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ, said threats were made against the editors of Urdu-language newspapers Pakistan Post and Urdu Times and thousands of copies of the papers destroyed. The group said the free newspapers were targeted for stories on alleged criminal activities by Pakistani-Americans in New York City and opinion pieces by Jewish authors.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/MainNewsT.aspx?bdtl_id=6031&fb_id=2&catid=14 |
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Media Protest
EU, EC express concern over media curbs |
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The European Union (EU) and the European Commission (EC) have expressed their concern over the present state of media freedom and rising cases of intimidation of journalists in Pakistan. In a statement here on Thursday, the heads of the missions of the EU and the EC in Islamabad said they were “concerned over recent setbacks with regard to media freedom in particular reports about blocked transmissions of licensed cable TV stations and about cases of intimidation of journalists.” They said: “These developments are of particular concern in view of the upcoming general elections.” They welcomed the government’s decision to suspend the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Ordinance 2007 and expressed their confidence that further steps would be taken to “safeguard a political climate in which freedom of expression” and media was respected, which was conducive to free and fair elections.
http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/top20.htm
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\08\story_8-6-2007_pg7_9
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Journalists observe black day |
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Journalists across the country observed a ‘black day’ on Thursday in protest against the government decision of restricting the electronic media from airing the ongoing judicial crisis and termed the move ‘unjustified’ and ‘black law’. A large number of journalists wearing armbands held a demonstration outside the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Press Club camp office and raised slogans against fresh curbs on the media. They were later joined by journalists from Attock, Gujar Khan, Taxila, Chakwal, Murree and adjoining areas. Politicians, lawyers and representatives of civil society organisations also took part in the rally. Foreign media personnel working in Pakistan expressed solidarity with the local journalists. Office-bearers of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Rawalpindi-Islamabad Press Club and Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists threatened to hold a series of protest demonstrations across the country if the government did not withdraw the amended ordinance.
http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/nat4.htm
http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=8378
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Sindh protesters seek annulment of new Pemra ordinance |
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Hundreds of journalists, lawyers, and political activists took out protest rallies and staged demonstrations and sit-ins outside the press clubs in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Ghotki and other parts of interior Sindh on Thursday against the Pemra Amendment Ordinance.
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=59688 |
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Lawyers, journalists mark anti-Pemra Black Day |
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LAHORE/ISLAMABAD/PES-HAWAR: The protest rallies taken out by the journalist and lawyer community across the country in support of Black Day call given by the central leaders of the journalist bodies and the legal fraternity in support of Chief Justice of Pakistan.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/Fb_ShortNewsT.aspx?fbshortid=1979&fcatid=14&fstatus=Current&bcatid=14&bstatus=Current |
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Thousands throng The Mall: Protest against reference, curbs on media |
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Thousands of lawyers, political workers and civil society activists thronged The Mall for the fourth consecutive week on Thursday to protest presidential reference against Chief Justice of Pakistan. Holding placards and banners inscribed with their demands and anti-Musharraf slogans, a large number of lawyers attended the protest rally, boycotting court proceedings at Aiwan-i-Adl and then took to The Mall at 11am where they were joined by workers of PPP, PML-N, MMA, Tehrik-i-Insaaf, Labour Party, Khaksar Tehrik, and activists of NGOs like Women’s Action Forum, as well as members of various teachers’ and students’ unions.
http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/nat11.htm
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\08\story_8-6-2007_pg1_4
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ANP urges SC to take suo motu action on media gagging |
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Central president of the Awami National Party Senator Asfandyar Wali Khan has demanded of the apex court to take suo motu notice of the government's discriminatory steps against media and working journalists.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/NatNewsT.aspx?dtlid=101299&catid=2 |
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Journalists also stage rally |
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A large number of journalists, including women, took out a peaceful procession on The Mall on Thursday to condemn restrictions on media, Pemra Ordinance, arrest of journalists and threats to them. Leaders of various political parties and representatives of lawyer organisations and NGOs also took part in the procession which was taken out from the Dyal Singh Mansion on the call of the Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ). Prominent among them were Punjab PPP Secretary-General Ghulam Abbas and Secretary Information Farzana Raja, Punjab MMA President Liaquat Baloch, PML-N’s Zaeem Qadri, MPA Dr Asad Ashraf and Khwaja Amer Raza, Khaksar Tehrik President Hameeduddin Mashriqi, Lahore High Court Bar’s Secretary Sarfraz Cheema, Save Judiciary Committee’s Mian Jamil and Punjab Bar’s Khawar Khitana.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/nat12.htm |
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Journalists come out in force to protest new PEMRA ordinance |
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Sit in front of Governor’s House; police stays passive, PUJ president says MQM and government cannot intimidate journalists. Journalists of the print and electronic media came out in force on the Mall on Thursday to protest the amended Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Ordinance. The protest began from Diyal Singh Mansion and ended at Governor’s House.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\08\story_8-6-2007_pg13_6 |
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Journalists condemn media curbs |
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Journalists observed Thursday as black day to protest the promulgation of the controversial PEMRA amendment ordinance by the government to gag the media. Led by the leaders of the Federal Union of Journalists, they staged a protest demonstration in front of the camp office of Rawalpindi- Islamabad Press Club at Melody. They were chanting slogans against the government demanding freedom of thought and expression, removal of the PEMRA ordinance and end to the threats being hurled at journalists. Politicians, lawyers and representatives of the non-governmental organizations also participated in the demonstration to express their solidarity with journalists. “We would continue our struggle and we condemn the recent threats to the media,” said Mazhar Abbas, senior journalist and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Secretary General. He said journalists were feeling themselves increasingly insecure.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\08\story_8-6-2007_pg7_19 |
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Call for revoking new media law: Protests held throughout NWFP |
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Members of the Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) on Thursday expressed concern over the promulgation of the Pemra (Amendment) Ordinance 2007 and urged the government to revoke it immediately. Journalists observed a ‘black day’ on Thursday on the call of the Federal Union of Journalists against what they called the implementation of draconian government measures that sought to muzzle the press. Jan Afzal, president of the KhUJ, and Nasir Mohammad, president of the Tribal Union of Journalists, led the protesters. They tried to march towards the Governor’s House and the Chief Minister’s House but were stopped from going there.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/nat14.htm |
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Karachi: Journalists observe ‘black day’ |
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Journalists across the city observed a ‘black day’ on Thursday to condemn violence against media men, ‘draconian’ laws to curb press freedom and non-implementation of the seventh wage award. The Karachi Union of Journalists held a protest meeting which was chaired by president Shamim-ur-Rehman and addressed by Karachi Press Club president Sabihuddin Ghousi and secretary Imtiaz Faran, KUJ general- secretary Javed Chaudhry, Maqsood Yusufi, Idrees Bakhtiar, Javed Saba and Omar Asghar. The ‘black day’ was observed on a call given by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists. The protesters, belonging to both the print and electronic media, wore black armbands and hoisted black flags atop the KPC building. They also took out a protest demonstration in which representatives of the legal fraternity and activists of various political parties and civil society organisations took part. Participants of the demonstration, holding placards and banners, condemned the Pemra Ordinance, curbs on press freedom and injustices with the journalist community. They chanted slogans to demand the restoration of press freedom, an end to the contract system, implementation of the 7th wage award, etc.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/local5.htm |
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HYDERABAD: Journalists protest across Sindh against Pemra Ord |
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Journalists across the Sindh province observed protest day on Thursday against the Pemra (amendment) ordinance, restrictions on private TV channels, registration of a case against reporters in Islamabad and issuance of death threats to media men. Leaders of civil society and lawyers also took part in the rallies to express solidarity with journalists. In Hyderabad, journalists staged a huge rally, which started from the press club and terminated at the district council building. The president and general secretary of the club, Shahid Shaikh and Jafar Memon, respectively, leaders of Pakistan and Sindh Bar Councils and District Bar Association Yousuf Leghari, Fazal Qadir Memon, Abdul Sattar Qazi, Allah Bachayo Soomro, Basheer Gujjar, Abdul Aziz Shaikh and Noorul Haq Qureshi led the rally.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/local8.htm |
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Lawyers protest against Pemra |
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Lawyers on Thursday boycotted court proceedings in the city in protest against a new ordinance curbing freedom of the electronic media. They took out a procession from the district court bar room and gathered outside the press club. The lawyers torched copies of the amended Pemra ordinance and cautioned that if the government did not withdraw the black law, they would lay siege on the Pemra office in Islamabad. Pakistan Bar Council vice-chairman Ali Ahmed Kurd and Baz Mohammad Kakar, president of the Balochistan Bar Association, said that lawyers would never accept curbs on the media which exposed excesses and injustices of the government.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/nat6.htm |
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Opp members join journalist's protest |
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The opposition parties on Thursday joined the journalists, protesting fresh restrictions on media and ban on their entry into the Parliament House, outside the Parliament House, expressed solidarity with them and condemned the restrictions. The opposition leaders announced the support of their respective parties for the journalist community. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, criticised the government for stopping journalists from covering the National Assembly proceedings by canceling their Press Gallery cards.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\08\story_8-6-2007_pg7_18 |
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NWFP lawyers observe ‘black day’ against curbs on media |
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Like other areas, lawyers across NWFP observed a “black day” on Thursday to express solidarity with media organisations in the wake of government restrictions on press freedom. Lawyers boycotted courts proceedings and staged rallies in protest against the promulgation of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2007. In Peshawar, the NWFP Bar Council and the Peshawar High Court Bar Association (PHCBA) staged a demonstration with hundreds of lawyers, who marched from the Peshawar High Court (PHC) to the Governor’s House.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\08\story_8-6-2007_pg7_11 |
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Opp slams torture of journalists |
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Submits 12 adjournments motions against suspension of TV transmission
President watches house proceedings. The opposition on Thursday protested in the National Assembly against the cancellation of entry passes for journalists covering the session and demanded that the NA speaker amicably solve the issue. On a point of order, opposition members Farid Paracha, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Pervaiz Malik, Abdul Malik and Liaqat Baloch criticised the Wednesday incident when some journalists were beaten up in the Press Gallery. They said the government was trying to suppress the journalists. They suggested that the NA speaker form a committee consisting of opposition and treasury members to probe the matter. Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain said he had met the downtrodden journalists. He said he would use all his powers to solve the issue at the earliest. He said he would ensure the sanctity of the house. “All my actions will be without any pressure and irrespective of their consequences,” the speaker said. Law Minister Wasi Zafar said the house would maintain its sanctity at all costs. “I don’t consider the journalists the fourth pillar of the state. If they want to become that pillar they will have to be upright and behave in a neutral manner,” Zafar said. He said those protesting outside the Parliament House were not journalists. The opposition members later walked out of the proceedings. The proceedings were suspended for some time after the PPPP’s Ghulam Murtaza Satti pointed out the lack of quorum. The session was later resumed with 98 members present in the house. The NA also considered 12 identical adjournment motions of the opposition parties on alleged suspension of transmission of some TV channels in several cities across the country.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\08\story_8-6-2007_pg7_12 |
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Pasban condemns curbs on media |
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The Pasban has condemned the new curbs on the media terming them pressure. tactics by the rulers to suppress the voice of truth and a blatant violation of basic human rights. In statement issued on Thursday, the Pasban leaders said that in the name of the Pemra ordinance, the regime was trying to gag the media to prolong its rule. “Nothing can be hushed up from the media in the present era,” they said, adding that the live coverage of ‘historic receptions’ accorded by the masses to the Chief Justice of Pakistan throughout the country and the courageous coverage of the May 12 mayhem by TV channels had made the present rulers nervous.
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=59660 |
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Chakwal lawyers observe ‘black day’ against Pemra Ord |
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The lawyers of Chakwal district observed complete strike and boycotted courts to condemn the amendments in Pemra ordinance. Journalists, lawyers protest in Gujar Khan. Pothar press club and Gujar Khan Bar Association took out rally to protest Pemra ordinance.
(News-5)
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Fazl criticises govt on new media curbs |
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The leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, criticised the government on Thursday for taking steps to curb the freedom of the media. Talking to reporters outside the National Assembly building, Fazal said the Muttahida Majlis-e- Amal would support journalists in their fight for free media in the country. He termed actions against the media a consequence of the ongoing judicial crisis and the violent incidents of Karachi. "On the one hand the government talks of democracy and on the other it is demolishing pillars of state," he said, adding that the government had demolished three pillars of the state so far.
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=59682 |
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PPP takes out motorcade rally against PEMRA Ord |
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PPP here on Thursday took out a massive motorcade rally in the City to observe black day against the military government amendment Ordinance of PEMRA with a view to censor the press and deny information to the public and showed solidarity with the working journalists. PPP rally led by the PPP Senior Vice President Makhdooam Amin Faheem, Senior Vice President Syed Makhdooam Yousaf Raza Gillani, PPP Central leader and opposition leader in Senate Mian Raza Rabbani, Central Information Secretary, Sherry Rehman, PPP Sindh President Qaim Ali Shah, started from the Bilawal House and culminated outside the PERMA Sindh Region office at Clifton.
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http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/jun-2007/8/nationalnews11.php |
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Mystery shrouds Pemra Ord mastermind |
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Ahmad Noorani, “mystery shrouds over the real mastermind as top information guru pleading his innocence in gagging media through controversial ordinance said he is staunch supporter of media.”
(News-14)
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Letter to editor “Undercutting freedom of expression” |
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Filza g. Sidiqi, “SELDOM do the Pakistani media and journalists cross their limits, especially during a military regime. But now they are going through a very bad time with the state getting more powers to shut down television stations or withdrawing the licence of any TV channel. We all have witnessed how Geo TV's broadcast was stopped in several cities of Pakistan on March 14. Such sufferings for journalists and the media have not come as a shock, as we expect such harsh treatment in a dictator regime.”
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/letted.htm#1 |
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Nation Editorial “Mutual accommodation” |
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“The government has done well by agreeing to form a committee to review changes in the PEMRA Amendment Ordinance. The decision to suspend in the meanwhile any proceedings under the Ordinance is also quite sensible. One hopes the committee with one member each from PAA, APNS and CPNE and three government nominees would be able to resolve the differences. The government has shown enough patience vis-a-vis illegal FM radio channels in tribal areas and Swat. In the latter case it has succeeded in persuading those running the channel not to oppose polio vaccination and female education. Compared to these channels, the mainstream media is highly responsible. It is therefore inappropriate to subject it to draconian measures. “
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http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/jun-2007/8/editorials2.php |
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Curbs on expression by Dr Ijaz Ahsan |
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Sweeping curbs have been placed on the freedom of the electronic media to depict happenings in the country. The first restriction, imposed a few days ago, was on live transmission of outdoor events. This has been followed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Ordinance 2007. That this ordinance has been promulgated just two days before the commencement of the National Assembly shows the contempt of the government for the Assembly, as well as its unwillingness to allow discussion of the subject. The move negates a number of the provisions of a law passed by Parliament three months ago after consultations with stakeholders.
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http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/jun-2007/8/columns2.php |
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Press freedom by Hashim Abro |
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Freedom of speech and expression is a constitutionally guaranteed fundamental right of the people of Pakistan. Article 19 ensures freedom of speech (Every citizen shall have the right to the freedom of speech and freedom of expression, and there shall be freedom of the Press.)While constitutional guarantees ensure such freedom, press and media are obligated by a self-regulatory system of ethics and morality that protect individuals and organisations from libelous behaviour.
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http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/jun-2007/8/columns6.php |
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Dawn Editorial “Rowdy behavior in NA” |
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“It is hoped that the Speaker of the House will take up the suggestion that a committee consisting of government and opposition members be formed to look into Wednesday’s incident and make recommendations. It is important to ascertain what really happened at the press gallery and who those men are who are being accused of provocation. Journalists have registered their protest and must now resume their duties of reporting the day’s events at the assembly. On its part the government can make sure that only accredited press people are allowed into the press gallery, but it cannot intimidate anyone into toeing any particular line. It must learn to respect a person’s right to freedom of expression.”
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/ed.htm#3 |
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Post Editorial “Parliament’s sanctity” |
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Journalists and the opposition members protested in the National Assembly (NA) on Wednesday against the government’s steps to curtail media freedom. Even the European Union and the European Commission has said they are “concerned by the recent setbacks with regard to media freedom” in Pakistan. The media people staged a token walkout from the press gallery at the start of the evening session. The NA Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain asked some ministers to visit the press lounge and negotiate with the media people and bring them back to the press gallery. While these negotiations were going on, some non-journalists allegedly sent by the Press Information Department (PID) went back to the press gallery to foil the walkout.”
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/EditorialNews.aspx?dtlid=101185&catid=10 |
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Press under siege | Don’t strangulate the media Sadaf Arshad |
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“The authority can suspend the licence of a broadcast media, which is indeed a worrisome sign. Another amendment which stands atop the list of undemocratic steps is about authorising PEMRA to make regulations. In such a case, it does not need parliament to approve those regulations. The body would be independent of all approvals and interference. The loss to the media becomes evident as its right to be heard has been thrown away in the amended version of this ordinance. The Council of Complaints now cannot hear the other party’s grievances. Now direct action would be taken against the media.”
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/OpinionNews.aspx?dtlid=101187&catid=11 |
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“Dictatorships don't go easy” by Shafqat Mahmood |
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“Dictatorships don't go easy. They will use every ounce of state authority to bolster their hold on power. Already thousands have been arrested all over the country and more of this will follow. The media will also be subjected to further harassment. Repression is the last weapon of weak dictators and it will be unleashed to the full. The sad part is that the country will suffer greatly before a new beginning can be made.”
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=59576 |
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Jang Editorial |
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Jang Editorial comments, “Confrontation between media and government should be avoided. Talks should be conducted to find settle. Matters should only be settled through talks.”
(Jang-Editorial)
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Symbols of real Federation Lawyers and media |
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Hasan Nissar the Express columnist comments, “Lawyers and media are true symbols of federation.”
(Express-3)
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Dawn Cartoon |
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/cart.htm |
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Media in Court
Another petition filed in SC |
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Another petition challenging amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002 was filed in the Supreme Court on Thursday. It requested the apex court to declare the amendments illegal and unconstitutional. The government of Pakistan and Pemra have been made respondents in the petition filed by Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) president Mohammad Afzal Butt through senior lawyer and former Supreme Court Bar Association vice-president Mohammad Ikram Chaudhry. This is the second petition questioning the restrictions imposed on the electronic media through the promulgation of an amended ordinance by President Gen Pervez Musharraf. The first petition was filed by head of the PML-N’s Human Rights Wing, Barrister Zafarullah Khan. The petition said that amendments to the Pemra Ordinance, 2003 militated against articles 2-A, 4, 5, 8, 9, 19, 23 and 24 of the Constitution, and hence these should be declared ultra vires and against the spirit of Pemra Ordinance, 2002.
http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/nat5.htm
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\08\story_8-6-2007_pg7_4
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Bar associations to challenge media law in PHC |
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Condemning the recently promulgated Pemra (Amendment) Ordinance 2007, the legal community here on Thursday constituted a seven-member-committee for challenging it before the Peshawar High Court.
The committee was constituted at a joint general body meeting of the Peshawar High Court Bar Association and the Peshawar District Bar Association. The members of the committee are Barrister Zahoorul Haq, Barrister Masood Kausar, Qazi Mohammad Jamil, Barrister Baacha, Mohammad Arif Khan, Abdul Samad Khan and Sattar Khan. The PHCBA president, Abdul Lateef Afridi, told the meeting that the committee would coordinate with the journalists’ bodies for preparing a petition and filing it in the court.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/local29.htm |
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RIUJ files petition against amended Pemra Ord |
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Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalist (PIUJ) President and Rawalpindi Islamabad Press Club Secretary Afzal But has filed constitutional petition against the promulgation of amended Pemra Ordinance to gag the electronic media.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/IsbNewsT.aspx?dtlid=101282&catid=17 |
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Media Bodies
Apna wins hands down |
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Apna panel won the Rawalpindi/ Islamabad Photo Journalists Association (RIPJA) election unopposed as no groups filed papers. According to press release Sajjad Haider was elected president, Shabir Hussain was elected general secretary.
(Daily Times-A2)
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Media Miscellaneous
Government holds off media curbs |
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The government’s decision to suspend implementation of the Pemra Ordinance 2007 promulgated by president on June 4 evolved mixed reaction on Thursday and some media personnel described it as government’s retreat under tremendous pressure generated by nationwide protests. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had held a marathon meeting in Islamabad with the top media executives on Wednesday night to discuss the concern expressed by various media bodies across the country over the promulgation of amended Pemra ordinance. Among others, the meeting was attended by the chairman of Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Mir Shakilur Rahman, president of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Hameed Haroon, APNS secretary general Mohammad Aslam Kazi, and Arif Nizami also of the APNS. The government side was represented by federal Minister for Information Mohammad Ali Durrani, Secretary Information Syed Anwar Mahmood and PML secretary general Mushahid Hussain Syed. The delegation of the PBA and APNS argued that the ordinance had caused countrywide resentment among the people. They demanded withdrawal of the ordinance. Both sides agreed that the ordinance promulgated on June 4 would be reviewed in totality by a six-member committee comprising three members, one each from PBA, APNS and the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) and three senior government officials from the federal Ministry of Information, Ministry of Law and Pemra. The government will abide by the decision of the committee which will submit its report to the prime minister soon.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/top19.htm |
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PM halts enforcement of PEMRA Ordinance |
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Six-member committee formed to review Ord amendments, PM reiterates commitment to press freedom.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday ordered an immediate halt to implementation of the recently amended Pakistan Electronic Media Regulation Authority (PEMRA) Ordinance and formed a six-member committee to review the amendments. The committee will consist of three members from media organisations - one each from the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and Council of Pakistani Newspaper Editors - and three government officials, from PEMRA and the information and law ministries.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\08\story_8-6-2007_pg1_1 |
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Pemra Ord suspended |
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The government has suspended new curbs on broadcasters following scathing criticism of the restrictions at home and abroad, officials said on Thursday. President Pervez Musharraf issued an ordinance on Monday giving Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) more powers to shut down television stations. But Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani said the government had decided to review the ordinance after a meeting between a delegation of broadcasters and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Wednesday. "Yes, the ordinance has been suspended," Durrani told Reuters.
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http://www.thepost.com.pk/MainNewsT.aspx?fdtl_id=784&fb_id=2&catid=14 |
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Three-day Dawn property show opens |
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The Dawn Property Investment Show, a three-day exhibition, will begin on Friday at 3pm at the Pearl Continental. Entry to the exhibition is free. The exhibition will continue on Saturday and Sunday, daily from 11am to 8pm. The Dawn Property Investment Show will showcase property, real estate and investment with both local and foreign participants, boasting not just a very high level of participation from within Pakistan but from the United Arab Emirates’ property industry as well.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/local6.htm |
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CM’s adviser for information resigns |
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The Adviser to the Chief Minister Sindh on Information, Salahuddin Haider, who belongs to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), resigned from his office on Thursday. He submitted his resignation to Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad at the Governor House. Sources said that Maj (retd) Hamid Abidi was expected to replace Salahuddin. An official notification for the appointment of new adviser was not issued till late Thursday night, with the authorities saying that the provincial administration was waiting for the official directive from the chief minister in this regard.
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http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=59649 |
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Successful talks between speaker and journalists |
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The matters related to unpleasant incident of press gallery were settled amicably in talks between the Speaker and journalists. RIUJ and press club officials expressed regrets on the incident. Speaker ordered to issue new press cards for press gallery.
(Nawa-i-Waqt-1)
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Journalist robbed |
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Two motorcyclists deprived a local journalist Tariq Hussain Sub Editor Daily Times of purse and mobile phone at gun point in commercial market when two young boys riding 125 Honda motorcycle bearing registration #RIF-7615.
(News-8)
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Music
Cable operators, CD vendors asked to close down business |
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Local CD vendors, cable operators and owners of music shops have been warned by unknown elements to close down their business by June 15 or face the consequences. A message written in Urdu that contained the warning — a copy of which is available with Dawn — was sent on Thursday to all the CD shops in the Gadoon Amazai Industrial Estate and the Tehsil Topi region. It is not known exactly who wrote and delivered the message but the local Taliban are suspected to be behind the move, according to an official. “We order the owners of music, CD and video shops in the region to wind up their business immediately,” says the letter. The message — titled “A plan for spreading obscenity in the NWFP” — adds: “We request our Muslim brothers that they should not sell obscene CDs, films, etc. Otherwise, your shops will be blown up with explosives. If you fail to give up the illegal business you will be responsible for all the consequences.”
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/nat15.htm |
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Radio
M radio to be launched from Bhit Shah on July 15: official |
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The Sindh Culture and Tourism Department is launching an FM radio from July 15 at Bhit Shah to spread the message of great Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, said the director general of the department Shams Jafrani on Thursday. He said that the prime minister had announced establishing the radio station at the concluding session of annual Urs celebrations of the great Sufi a few months ago. The installation of radio station was still in progress and it would commence transmission by July 15, 2007, he said and added that the government was committed to spreading love, peace, affection and brotherhood preached by the holy saints of the sub-continent, he said. The promotion of mysticism was also part of government efforts, he said. Mr Jafrani said that Sindh had the oldest civilisation with rich culture, heritage, customs and traditions. Besides, the great saints of Sindh also played a vital role in spreading the message of Islam, he said. Mr Jafrani said that a Cultural Complex was also being constructed at district level to boost cultural activities. The complex would include a museum, a library and an art gallery. He said that an auditorium would also be established at the complex having ting capacity of 200 people. The government was providing stipend of Rs1,000 a month to 282 talented artists of the province commencing from February 2007 and directives had been issued to officers concerned to publish a calendar highlighting the cultural, sports and recreational events of the province, he said. He said that the department had selected at least 10 recreational spots in the province to provide required facilities through public-private partnership. The department is planning to carry out improvement of Sadhu Belo, coastal areas of Thatta and places around Keenjhar Lake. He said that the department was also developing its own website containing information on the cultural identity of every district of the province.
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http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/08/local10.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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