Cable operators demand immediate ban on Geo
- By Azhar Khan -
- May 16, 2014
KARACHI: Castigating Geo Tv for resorting to hooliganism and abusing cable operators at the Karachi Press Club today, the Cable Operators Association of Pakistan has demanded immediate ban on Geo TV, ARY News reported.
In an emergency press conference, Chairman Cable Operators Association of Pakistan Khalid Arain said, “Our voice was suppressed today. Geo reporters should have fulfilled journalistic responsibilities, but they didn’t. It was complete rogue attitude against us.”
Arain announced that cable operators will launch countrywide protests from tomorrow against hooliganism of Geo. He demanded that Pakistan Broadcasting Association must take notice of Geo's transmission.
“Geo had sent 18 people to disrupt our press conference. They had an intention to gag our voice.”
Arain said they (Geo reporters) behaved badly with cable operators who lifted their channel.
What kind of press freedom is this, he asked. “They don’t practice what they preach. It was evident from today’s episode at KPC.”
"On April 19, Geo attacked the state institutions with their biased coverage. Cable operators are facing intense public pressure against controversial programs being aired on Geo." He said federal government must direct Pakistan Electronic Media and Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to immediately ban Geo.
Geo is spreading hatred against national security. Freedom of speech cannot be used against the religion, said Arain.
Cable operators cannot take responsibility of irresponsible programs of Geo.
Any program hurting religious values or targeting Pakistan Army should not be attributed with cable operators. Pemra should have suspended their license, but to no avail, moaned Arain.
We request the relevant authorities to review Geo’s license immediately. “Pemra and government must now act in accordance of public demand. Religious circles are threatening cable operators if they continue Geo transmission. Ulema have issued fatwa that airing of Geo is haram (prohibited).”
There are instances that Pemra shut down channels on just one-day notice. Why did not they resort to same action against Geo. They are not taking action because government is backing Geo.
We demand federal government to take prompt decision against Geo.