ISLAMABAD: Cable operators throughout Pakistan started receiving orders to immediately shut down Geo TV's broadcast or shift the channel to the last numbers right after SAPM Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan concluded her Friday press conference pertaining to the arrest of Jang Group/Geo Editor-in-Chief Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman.
The channel was shifted to last numbers in various cities and its broadcast was also disrupted after Dr Firdous' presser. Geo News' Director News Rana Jawad said the directives to cable operators came from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
"Cable operators are being asked to change Geo's position [on TV channel numbers]. Shifting the channel to the last numbers means shutting down its broadcast," he said.
Jawad said these instructions were also given to the main cable operator in Islamabad and that no legal basis was provided for the action. He said that PEMRA was threatening to take legal actions against cable operators who did not comply with the instructions.
He said Geo News tried to contact PEMRA chairperson for a clarification on the matter but he could not be reached. Jawad said a cable operator in Islamabad had shifted Geo News from number 7 to 71 and that cable operators in other cities were following suit.
"This is being done at a time when the Editor-in-Chief of the Jang Group/Geo has been arrested by NAB," he said.
Minister Azma Bokhari says Punjab not considering buying stake in PIA
Bill allows KP ministers Rs1 million to renovate house provided to them by government
Justice Mansoor remarks while hearing an overbilling case involving Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited
Weapon system capable of engaging land and sea targets with high precision, says DGPR
Bill also seeks amendments to retirement age and service limits of services chiefs
Bill to allow judicial commission to increase number of top court judges up to 34
