Black phone story is fake: PTA

ISLAMABAD: A systematic propaganda campaign to defame Geo and Jang Group has once again failed miserably as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has exposed the reality of so-called “black phone scandal” by confirming that the largest media group of Pakistan had never requested or acquired any such phone and all letters being circulated on the social media in this connection are fake. After utter failure of all previous propaganda campaigns against Geo and Jang Group, a fresh move was launched a few weeks ago through the social media claiming that the media house has procured 2000 illegal “black phones” and that PTA is probing the matter. “No such probe has been launched, a fake letter has been circulated through social media with signature of Khawar Ibtisam, director general enforcement, PTA HQ Islamabad but I can confirm that no officer of this name is serving in the authority,” confirmed Abdul Samad, member compliance and enforcement at PTA.
A fake letter titled “Procurement of Illegal Secure Phones” dated 02 May 2015 has been spread on Twitter and Facebook claiming that PTA is probing the procurement of illegal encrypted phones by “renowned media house” of Pakistan. Khawar Ibtisam who is shown as DG Enforcement signed the letter.
But the member enforcement in PTA was surprised to learn about the fake letter and fake officer of PTA. “The name of our DG enforcement is Yawar Yasin and he did not write any such letter about any media group,” he said.
Top PTA official further confirmed that no application was filed by Geo or Jang group with PTA to import any “black phone” and reports circulating in social media in this regard are totally baseless.
This is not the first time that Geo and Jang group is being targeted by vested interests who are not happy with the independent policy of the group.In the past, after failing to coerce the reputed media group into toeing their line, these elements launched malicious propaganda campaigns against the group terming it Indian agent, American Agent and Jewish agent. But all these campaigns have failed to break the strong bond between the people of Pakistan and the Jang group.
Geo’s popularity as the No. 1 choice of the people and its independent editorial policy is not acceptable to these vested interests but they have failed to discredit and defame the Channel. These vested interests always use social media as they think it is easy to level baseless allegations and spread fake “evidence” on Twitter and Facebook without legal repercussions. The absence of a comprehensive cyber crime’s law in the country is also encouraging these elements to engage in criminal activities. However the management of Jang group has already decided to take legal action against these elements and in this connection a report has been lodged with the Federal Investigation Agency, which has the services of National Response Centre for Cyber Crime to probe illegal use of social media.