PAKISTAN

Choking the Channels

Musharraf is tightening his grip on Pakistan's independent news outlets. Not all are going quietly.

By Fasih Ahmed | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Nov 20, 2007 | Updated: 6:33  p.m. ET Nov 20, 2007

« Return to Article

Discuss

Member Comments

  • Posted By: cheena laqhoria @ 09/18/2008 4:39:53 AM

    dear all
    do u know that MR KHAWAR NAEEM HASHMI (pakistan/journalist) was also floged in kot lakhpat jail in lahore
    on may 13/1978.

  • Posted By: SpritOfLife @ 01/29/2008 12:21:56 AM

    Actually they contraol every aspect of life, my life, your life.
    This includes what you hear, what you see what you smell what you eat.
    Musharaf is one small extension of global dictator.
    It is unfortunate for all who disobey... including Geo.

  • Posted By: hajra @ 12/03/2007 1:23:05 PM

    geo has not done good to country,what they were showing,they never said wrong about taliban killing soldiers,recruits,innocent people.what is the fault of pak army fighting to wipeout exterimists from country.this what islam teaches us.to kill people,propagating those killers is free media.or to tell people about right\wrong .they are money machines.... least interested in country.see what happen when america went aganist war in iraq,they were supporting thier national cause...geo try learn from independent media of america (who knows what is national cause...)but u are WALTURES.

  • Posted By: farmer1 @ 11/28/2007 8:56:41 AM

    The idiot is back. Maybe I can get it right this time. I just read, "Musharraf is tightening his grip on Pakistan's independent news outlets. Not all are going quietly." We need to give Musharraf some remedial training. Our independents are going without a whimper. Or going along.

  • Posted By: nazia @ 11/21/2007 10:01:42 AM

    I really salute to management of geo whom even facing huge financial losses never end to give up against ruling mafia.Mussaraf is not a single entity standing against GEO. Mussaraf is a combination of forces that includes feudals,corrupt establishment,greedy army generals and strong western force that has already destroyed the ME peace process.Geo has given a national awareness to ordinary people of Pakistan that was the job of political parties.Geo bravely acts against dictator rule and will always be remembered in golden words in history as a symbol of truthfulnes. In this dark era of desparation we really proud that we have geo and strong men in judiciary who can live and die on dignified manner.

    • Posted By: sunshinesmiles @ 11/26/2007 6:39:56 PM

      ???????????????????????????????????????????????? do you consider yourself literate? GO BACK to school idiot!!!

  • Posted By: nawawimohamad @ 11/25/2007 12:11:35 AM

    To saifxt, Almost everyone but a few in this world needs money and they want to earn money as much as possible. What is the use of democracy, capitalism or for that matter communism if the people remain poor and forever facing hardship. You can have your ideals and reject the dictator because I think you are at least quite well to do...no matter who is in power you and the like will always be fine. But I am only stating the facts that Pakistan must have a strong and stable government, the less corrupt the better ( I don't think there can be a truely clean government). Now between Bhutto, Shariff and Musharraf what are the choices? Do you have any alternative? Oh...one more thing, if you are very sure that money is not important to you, then why not give all your money to me!

  • Posted By: saifxt @ 11/24/2007 12:34:01 PM

    To nawawimohamad :
    It is quite a shame that you have the gutts to support a dictator for the sake of economy. What have his dictator done in the last 8 years? A corrupt and incompetent government that relied on forign aids? And you are asking for another 5 years for these thugs, looters and vultures? Shame on you!

  • Posted By: sabor1034 @ 11/22/2007 6:05:54 AM

    I dont think this last comment was posted by a person living in Pakistan or maybe lives here but is from some countryside because if he lived in a city he would have known what actually is happening here. Since the dictator declared emergency this country is under constant threat. If Musharraf had been right in imposing emergency he would never had closed the media. Obviously every news channel cannot be wrong regarding government policies untill the government is actually wrong and imposing emergency on the basis of terrorist activities is not a valid reason. Sucide bombings and terrorist activities have been going on a regular basis, why impose emergency now? The only answer is that it was only for his own benefit, to remain in power! If he would not be made the president, he would impose emergency and thats exactly what hapenned. Sucide bombings is just an excuse. And as far as dismissing the Chief Justice, Musharraf is more afraid of him as compared to the U.S attacking or blocking supplies of millions. If the CJ was in his seat Pakistan would never have been in this position and Musharraf would never had been cleared as a President.

    • Posted By: nawawimohamad @ 11/22/2007 10:26:21 PM

      To sabor1034. Yes I agree with you there are so many happenings in Karachi, but please wake up and see the real situation...Pakistan despite having aquired the nuclear power status is a very-very poor country. You can see in Karachi beggars in all sorts of forms, shapes and ages almost everywhere. Most of the infrastructure (throughout Pakistan) are in bad shape. Delipidated buses still ply the treacherous mountain roads.The earthquake victims are still suffering. But, glamour can still be seen and dreamed albeit in few elitists enchroachments , on the silver screen, few magazines and television. Jobs are scares. You can see dentist practicing their profession on the same condition as the street pedlars/ hawkers. It is also true (although slightly better) for many medical practitioners.Religious tensions are everywhere, and in Karachi in particular between the Muhajjir and the locals. You have tribal rivalry in the northern region (Pakistan government as everyine knows has no control) since you know when until now ( or maybe forever).The are always mistrusts between the Shia and the Sunni. Pakistan aslo has so many political groups and parties that can never be united (This is the divide and rule scenario) . Pakistan has so many ethnics and school of thoughts.Above all, Pakistan has no real economic base, Pakistan does not have the "cake " to be shared by its people - thus it will always be in need of help from the US. In short since Pakistan is not cohesive in every aspect, it is surviving at the mercy of others. Now, with the current turmoil I can't see any hope that Pakistan can develope and gain the economic success for its people. The people of Pakistan have been squabbling amongst themselves since the British. Who can stop these squabblings and concentrate on economic growth ? There is a saying that " if a boat full of Pakistanis sails on a calm sea, don't be surprised if it sinks". In the end, the Pakistani people will remain backward, while the politicians reap all the fruits. May be you are one of them (the politician). If not, you are being foolish, unless of course you are not a Pakistani. Give Musharraf the chance for the sake of political stability. Then work on the economy. Don't let the hoodlums to stay poor. You can't have it any other way. If not, Pakistan will be another Iraq.

  • Posted By: Pointblank @ 11/22/2007 8:09:21 PM

    So this is what dubai media city is about.They decided to go with a dictator in emergency rule.What a shame for uae..Afterall uae is an totalitarian state.I wonder if this is going to hurt investor confidence in dubai..These issues realy need to be addressed.

  • Posted By: west wind @ 11/22/2007 12:15:48 PM

    Parliament,executive,judiciary and electronic and print media constitute a state.These are the four pillars of state.Constitution defines and relate respective responsibilities, soverignity and spheres of infulence of all these institutions and other political and administrative units established under them.institutional stability occurs when all these pillars are consolidated.If these institutions are independent,institutional accountability is the outcome ,that assures the efficient working of a welfare state.

    now come to Pakistan and have a look at her institutions,
    Executive...a puppet
    Parliament,,,,,a mockery
    Judiciary...tamed
    Media....blackout
    It is evident that, after the dsastrous fall of institutions, the country is run and ruled by one person who is not only the president but also the army chief of the country.See what happens when a country is left on the whims of one person.
    Judjes locked down
    Journalists baton charged
    Human rights activists rounded up
    Crackdown on media
    Ordinances are passed and laws made to strenghten one man rather than the institutions (see past record of the laws made during Musharraf rule).
    Cosntitution,,, suspended
    Martial law on the land

    one thing most ludicurous.Chief of Army staff imposes the emergency (whereas our constitution attributes this power to the president).What was that Musharraf was forced to act as an army chief when he could impose emergency as the president?I leave it ur discretion.(i would laugh the worst laugher i ever laugh).
    Conclusion,,
    Power corrupts,absolute power corrupts absolutelly.
    Musharraf has invested in himself all the institutions,he is above law,he is the law.
    If Pakistanis have no expression,no voice,no forum to be heard,,,,,U shud not alarmed at the rise of extremism in Pakistan.
    I am 26th,Why im most vocal now ,for my country has ever been without democracy...
    Only one thing ,Pakistan has never been fortunate enough to have an independent judiciary.I hav never had the smallest hope of its being in Pakistan,a backward country and an ever betrayed nation. I could not believe there can be any accountability process for the cosen few from military and civil bureauracy.It was manna in the desert ,wilderness! there was hope of the rule of law in Pakistan! What rule of law can do,perhaps the country with a low literacy rate can not understand,but u the westerns who enjoy the fruits of democracy,the fruits of the rule of law,only u know what i mean.
    Imagine the disillusionment,,,the pain,,,the shock...
    How could it be done so ruthlessly ?
    The power,,the guns,,the generals and the US.

    MY HEART ACHS AND DROWSY NUMBNESS PAINS MY SENSE.

    Daily i wear black band and join lawyers,journalists and the members of the civil society ,,,,
    Do join us,,,,,lawyers the world over
    journalists from all over the world ,,,, join ur colleagues in Pakistan
    all huma rights organisations ,,,,record ur protest at the flagrant abuse of human rights in Pakistan,,

  • Posted By: nawawimohamad @ 11/22/2007 4:23:03 AM

    Musharaf is trying his best to put Pakistan in order. It is only Bhutto and Shariff who are creating all the trouble for their own selfish ends. Pakistan is in dire need for a person who can really conrtrol the country. Democracy (civilian governments) have failed many times. We all know how the previous Prime Ministers plundered the wealth of Pakistan and left the people with poverty, stagnant economy and other hardships. Many people are not aware that the demonstrations only occured in a very-very small isolated area in Pakistan and the rest of Pakistan are not affected at all and infact most of the people there are having their normal lives and daily activities. Those of us who get the news (mis-information) from the media are not getting the true picture because the media has potrayed as if the whole of Pakistan is in the state of anarchy. So please be more rational in our judgement. As for Geo News, I do belief that you have somehow contributed into this mis-information to the viewers, so you deserve what you get.

  • Posted By: wildpakigoose @ 11/22/2007 1:03:18 AM

    BUSH N MUSH


    What he has done in Pakistan can you do it in USA Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    He can bring back bone you through, just say ???Hush??? Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    Democracy is derailed, please put it back on track Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    Whole army at your service, but they need your kick Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    Media most obedient servant, Judges shines his shoes Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    What is real democracy; please tell your puppet Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    He is harsh on common people, but lay weapons for Qaeda Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    If you love him too much, Tony Blair needs an assistant Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush

  • Posted By: wildpakigoose @ 11/22/2007 1:02:37 AM

    BUSH N MUSH


    What he has done in Pakistan can you do it in USA Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    He can bring back bone you through, just say ???Hush??? Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    Democracy is derailed, please put it back on track Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    Whole army at your service, but they need your kick Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    Media most obedient servant, Judges shines his shoes Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    What is real democracy; please tell your puppet Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    He is harsh on common people, but lay weapons for Qaeda Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush
    If you love him too much, Tony Blair needs an assistant Mr. Bush
    You are a shame for the nation it???s a shame on you Mush

Reply

Report Abuse

Enter comments if any for reporting abuse