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.
The incident was a result of a personal enmity, says home minister
Public gatherings, rallies and protests banned for 3 days amid terrorism threat, says home department
Complainant reveals she's fifth wife of the suspect as he married four other women with same motive
FO spokesperson says PM's visit attests to commitment by two countries to strengthen leaders' engagement
Weapons, ammunition and explosives recovered from terrorist Ali Jan, says military's media wing
Counter terrorism unit says complainant Tasnim Haider didn’t produce evidence to support his allegations